The NHS at 75: the past, the present and the future

The NHS turns 75 in July 2023. The health service was created in 1948 as a universal, comprehensive system, free at the point of need and paid for through taxation. These principles remain intact and receive strong public support. But the NHS has seen massive changes too – in health needs, technology, political priorities, and more – and has been on an almost constant treadmill of reform and reorganisation since 1990. Today, the NHS is in crisis and politicians are calling for yet more ‘reform’ to the system – and some are challenging the NHS model itself. Does the NHS need to change to survive?

​​This event, co-hosted by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Health Foundation, will reflect on how the NHS has evolved over the last 75 years and look to the big challenges facing the health system in the future. The speakers and panel will look back at the NHS’s history, set out some of the key changes since 1948, look at some of the big issues ahead and share their views on what the future might hold.

Confirmed speakers:

• Hugh Alderwick, Director of Policy, The Health Foundation
• Anita Charlesworth, Director, REAL Centre, The Health Foundation
• Professor Nicholas Mays, Professor of Health Policy and Director, Policy Innovation and Evaluation Research Unit, (PIRU), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• Professor Ellen Nolte, Deputy Director, Policy Innovation and Evaluation Research Unit (PIRU), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• Professor Liam Smeeth, Director, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• Patrick Vernon, Chair, NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICS

Please note the lecture will take place from 17.15–18.30 and will be followed by a networking session.