Medicine in Britain, c.1250-present (iv)

Marie Curie holds the distinguished honour of being the only person in history to win the Nobel prize twice for two different categories. Her discoveries led to the invention of the X-ray, radiography and other modern medical techniques.

The 20th century saw some amazing advances in medical knowledge. The invention of tools such as the x-ray, ultrasound machines, MRI scanners combined with insights such as the discovery of DNA.

Healthcare comes not only from doctors and hospitals, but also the recognition that certain work practices are dangerous, that certain diets should be promoted, that stress should be reduced at a political level...etc

The birth of the welfare state transformed the lives of the sick and the poor. Schemes such as the national insurance act and the ultimate creation of the National Health Service made the country prosperous and much healthier.

The Beveridge Report highlighted five principal dangers that challenged the health of the public. These were seen as disease, idleness, ignorance, want and squalor. Tackling public awareness was a huge challenge.

During the 20th century there was a greater recognition that government should play a larger part in public health. How could the people of Britain be living in such abject poverty, when the nation had been at the heart of an empire?

Vaccination programs have seen many diseases all but obliterated from existence. Vaccines for Polio, Measles, Hepatitus B and MMR are routinely given to children across the nation. This is not without controversy though.

These flashcards should help you revise all the information we have covered on this course. Questions such as 'Who is Dr Christian Barnard and why is he important?' can be answered by looking over these cards.

Take this quiz to test what you have learned from this course on modern medicine in Britain. Questions are presented in different formats including multiple choice and fill in the blanks. Good luck!