Salient dates in the history of the National Health Service.
Related Dispatches: Getting Rich on the NHS
1948
Health secretary Aneurin Bevan opens the first NHS hospital at Park Hospital in Manchester. This marked the start of his ambitious plan to
provide health services 'free for all at the point of delivery'.
1952
Prescription charges of one shilling introduced and a flat rate of £1 for dental work.
1958
Polio and diphtheria vaccinations programme launched.
1960
First kidney transplant performed.
1961
Prescription'prices increase to two shillings.
1962
Enoch Powell's Hospital Plan launched to unify hospital, general practice and local health authorities. It approves the development of new
district general hospitals for population areas of around 125,000 people.
1965
Prescription charges abolished.
1968
First heart transplant performed. Prescription charges re-introduced and increased to half a crown (12.5p).
1971
Prescription charges rise to 20p.
1978
World's first ever test-tube baby born.
1979
Prescription charges rise to 45p.
1980
Prescription charges rise to 70p. Yearly price increases follow.
1988
Breast screening introduced to reduce breast cancer deaths in women over 50.
1990
NHS Community Care Act allows health authorities to manage their own budgets and buy healthcare from hospitals and other health organisations.
1997
Prescription charges have risen to £5.80.
2000
The NHS Plan brings about large changes to the organisation. As well as increasing funding and giving greater patient choice, for the first time
there is an agreement with private providers to enable the NHS to make use of facilities in private hospitals.
2002
Primary Care Trusts launched which oversee 37,000 GPs and 21,000 dentists and control 80% of the total NHS budget. Strategic Health Authorities
which manage the NHS on a regional basis on behalf of the Secretary of State are also introduced.
2004
Foundation Trusts created to run local hospitals.
2012
Health and Social Care Act passed which is to replace PCTs and Strategic Health Authorities with GP-led clinical commissioning teams.
Prescription charges have risen to £7.65. (Dental charges are now £17.50 for basic treatment rising to £209 for more complex procedures).
Download the free Dispatches app for more information about this programme.
Visit the Channel 4 News website for general features and articles about the NHS.
