ABSTRACT
In the early part of the twentieth century, medical services in the UK were spread unevenly and the National Insurance Scheme did not cover large numbers of poor people. The National Health Service (NHS) was established to provide equitable healthcare provision according to need, irrespective of
wealth or geographical location. Over time, it became increasingly clear that comprehensive care, free at the point of delivery, was politically unsustainable. Prescription charges were introduced in 1951, and charges for ophthalmic and dental treatments were introduced thereafter. One of the most radical assaults on the provision of comprehensive care was the shedding by the NHS of substantial parts of its previously held responsibilities for continuing care. In 1982, the NHS was providing 75% of long-stay care for people aged 75 years and over. In 1996 this was reduced to just 18%. During the same time period the population of people aged 75 years and over increased by 25%.
