Foundations of modern health care in Britain: a divided medical service and consequences for the sick

Abstract

Attempts at the introduction of a national health policy in Britain had been made in the nineteenth century. In 1848 a General Board of Health was set up, followed by a Local Government Board in 1871. Both collapsed in the face of medical opposition, although the latter continued to hold minimal powers until stripped of functions and bypassed by the creation of other departments.⁽¹⁾