ABSTRACT
The middle years of the twentieth century, the period on which this book primarily focuses, witnessed an astonishing transformation of both the delivery and nature of health care and of welfare philosophies and organisation in Britain and world-wide. This included the introduction of the National Health Service, the spectacular growth of heart surgery, the development of new diagnostic instruments such as ultrasound and body scanners, and the introduction of new forms of drug treatment for purposes ranging from contraception and inoculation to the curing of syphilis, tuberculosis, mental depression and Aids. From conditions which have dogged societies for centuries to the newest plagues, medical responses have been devised, and the scale of effort devoted to the maintenance of health and the avoidance of premature death has reached a level far beyond that in any preceding era of human history. Over roughly the same period debates concerning the nature of the most appropriate forms of care and support for more vulnerable members of society have provoked impassioned responses. Questions about the forms and philosophies of social welfare provision also raise profound issues about rights and responsibilities, reaching all sections of society.
