TIMELINE
A HISTORY OF
THE NHS HEALTH
On 5th July , 1948 , the UK ’ s National Health Service ( NHS ) began – a government and taxpayer-funded medical and healthcare service for everyone in the UK . Although discussions on setting up state healthcare date back as far as 1912 , it took three decades before then-Minister of Health , Aneurin Bevan , opened the NHS up . But problems persist – here is a history of NHS strikes .
1978
1982
NHS nurses strike for 12 % pay rise In 1982 , NHS staff campaigned for a 12 % pay rise . Miners and electricians undertook a 1-day " sympathy strike " in support of the NHS staff . The government set up an independent pay review team for NHS staff , NHSPRB . But this did not put an end to strikes .
The Winter of Discontent From October 1978 to February 1979 , the UK witnessed a wave of strikes . Lorry drivers , council workers and NHS staff all walked out . This caused chaos for the general public in what came to be known as “ the Winter of Discontent ”.
16 March 2023