The National Health Service (NHS) refers to the government-funded healthcare and medical services in the UK that have become a cornerstone of our society. Everyone living in the UK can use the service if/when they become injured or sick without worrying about covering the costs of their treatment.   

There are a number of NHS services that provide both physical and mental health treatment and support. We sure do have a lot to thank the NHS for, with people living an average of 10 years longer than they did before the creation of the NHS in 1948. 

On July 5th, the NHS will turn 76 years old. Our NHS pioneered free healthcare services based on citizenship, and thanks to people like you who make it so special, the NHS has gone on to inspire many countries around the world to develop services of their own healthcare systems. 

The NHS was founded in 1948. Back in 1948, Aneurin Bevan, then Minister of Health, created the National Health Service with the goal to provide medical care from “the cradle to grave” in a post-war world. Since then, it has grown significantly.