I see a lot of similarities between the history of the pill which you touch upon and more recent discussions regarding access to hormone replacement therapy for menopause. And I just really want to touch on another key theme within the book around innovation and medical advancements under the NHS. Reproductive health is an area that other writers have shied away from. Could you please explain why you felt it was important to include this history? To miss out the impact that the health service had on women is to miss out a really important, not even aspect of NHS history.
Most of us in Britain entered the world in an NHS hospital; and most of us will die under the NHS's care, too. It is a cornerstone of our society, embodying the values of equality, compassion, and universal access to healthcare. Since its inception in 1948, the NHS has transformed the lives of millions, pioneering medical breakthroughs, and providing essential care to those in need. However, it has not been without its challenges, as political ideologies and societal changes have shaped its journey.
In this episode political journalist Isabel Hardman and NHS doctor Annabel Sowemimo discuss the remarkable medical accomplishments that have defined the NHS, as well as the tumultuous political battles fought to protect and sustain this cherished institution.
—
We’d love to hear your feedback and what you think we should talk about next, who we should have on and what our future debates should be.
Send us an email or voice note with your thoughts to podcasts@intelligencesquared.com or Tweet us @intelligence2.
And if you’d like to support our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations, as well as ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content, early access and much more, become a supporter of Intelligence Squared today.
Just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices