Feature 50 Years of the NHS Charles Webster reflects on the achievements and shortcomings of fifty years of the National Health Service. Charles Webster | Published in History Today Volume 48 Issue 7 July 1998 Anenurin Bevan, Minister of Health, on the first day of the National Health Service, 5 July 1948 at Park Hospital, Davyhulme, near Manchester. To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive. Buy Online Access Buy Print & Archive Subscription If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.