From Cradle to Grave: 50 Years of the NHS

From Cradle to Grave tells the extraordinary story of the NHS. Published to mark its 5oth anniversary, the book traces chronologically the major achievements and events in medicine, nursing, hospital development, primary health care and health management.
The introductery chapter describes the health services in 1948. The next five chapters each cover a decade, and begin with a chronology of events both in the NHA and in national life. The structure of the chapters is consistent so that a particular topic can be followed over the years. In each decade medical progress is considered first, then the developments in general practice and primary health care and the hospital service. Lastly, changes at an organisational and managerial level are discussed. The story of clinical and organisational developments in the NHS can be seen within the wider context of the development of the welfare state.
Geoffrey Rivett qualified as a doctor at Oxford and University College Hospital, worked as a GP and a medical civil servant, and lives in central London. He enjoys photography, the arts, and writing contemporary medical history.