A HISTORY OF THE NHS HEALTHCARE

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

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”.

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.