Fifty years on:
Our love hate relationship
with the NHS
When the BMJ invited a number of people to tell
us briefly what they most like and dislike about the
NHS in Britain it became obvious that on its 50th
anniversary (1 July 1998) the NHS still excites passionate feelings.
Some common themes arose—people like the fact that the NHS is free at the
point of access, is available to everyone, and provides good quality but
cheap care. Some people had more personal stories to tell—of their own
life or that of a close family member saved by the dedication of NHS staff.
But there were many dislikes too—for example, poor organisation, lack of
resources, abuse of staff good will, doctors allowed to cover up mistakes,
and the lottery of care. Little things seem to niggle—for example, why
can't the NHS provide a matching pair of pyjamas with buttons?
Read contributions from the journal
We asked readers to respond to an online questionnaire regarding their likes and dislikes about the NHS.
What is the best thing about the NHS?
What is the worst thing about the NHS?
Questionnaire results
Equity of access
[ 27 ]
Free at the point of delivery
[ 51 ]
Dedication of staff
[ 20 ]
Provides good quality care at low cost
[ 25 ]
Poor organisation
[ 20 ]
Underfunding
[ 47 ]
Staff are not supported adequately
[ 21 ]
Lack of information on needs and outcomes
[ 8 ]
Lack of rigorous monitoring of NHS staff
[ 3 ]
Patchy provision of services
[ 12 ]
