65 years since NHS began
Today marks the 65th anniversary of the National Health Service - the first system of its kind in the world.
National Health Service: Then and now
In 1948
- 16,864 GPs and 125,765 nurses and midwives
- Budget of £437 million (roughly £9 billion at today's value)
- Average child would receive vaccinations for smallpox and diphtheria only
- 14 days in hospital to give birth on average
In 2013
- 1.7 million employees in total - only the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Wal-Mart and the Indian Railways directly employ more
- Budget of £108.9 billion
- Seven routine vaccinations for children
- Two days in hospital to give birth on average
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