The creation of the National Health Service
I can explain how the Second World War led to the creation of the NHS and the impact this had on the people of Britain.
The creation of the National Health Service
I can explain how the Second World War led to the creation of the NHS and the impact this had on the people of Britain.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Before WWII, healthcare was not run by the government and varied greatly from place to place.
- Many people, especially women, were unable to afford healthcare and childhood illness was a big problem.
- Although the government ran schemes for workers to access free healthcare, this was mainly for men.
- During the war, the government took control of hospitals and this showed how much better things could be.
- In 1948, the National Health Service was set up offering free healthcare to everyone, improving the nation's health.
Keywords
Healthcare - healthcare refers to the system of medical services provided to individuals
Welfare state - a welfare state is when a government provides basic services for the people in the country to help protect their well-being
Common misconception
Students may think that National Insurance before WWII allowed men to receive healthcare without paying for it.
They had to pay with some of their wages to be entitled to the benefits of healthcare.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...