First published in 1991, this book charts the inception of the British National Health Service from 1911 to 1948. It pays specific attention to the struggle of doctors to achieve work control in the medical marketplace during this turbulent time. With particular focus on the medical profession, it discusses key themes such as restrictions to the inception of the Health Service under David Lloyd George’s government and the relationship between the Beveridge report and the National Health Service Act in 1946. In its final analysis, the book asks what, if any, gains were made by the medical profession in the creation of Labour’s crowning achievement.

This book will be of interest to those studying the history of the British welfare state, social welfare and healthcare.