Before 1948, access to healthcare was limited to those who could afford it. People died of curable diseases, and lived with ailments that could otherwise have been treated.

Today we take the NHS for granted, but will it always be there? Privatisation has crept into our health service, with private companies carrying out routine operations for profit, whilst the NHS is left with the complex work. Could private providers change our NHS utterly?

We also face a mental health crisis for which our current, underfunded NHS is not prepared. Young people in particular, facing precarious work and insecure housing, are hit hard by mental health issues and are all to often fobbed off with prescription drugs. But is this really the best way to treat the mental health crisis?

Budget cuts of £22 billion threaten the NHS. Its ability to provide even basic services is threatened. How can it even begin to confront the modern threats to health?

Speakers:

Harry Leslie Smith

Harry was born before the introduction of the NHS in 1948. He watched his sister die of tuberculosis as his parents couldn’t afford to pay a doctor. Harry will talk about life before and after the NHS and the difference it has made to the lives of millions.

Dr Asha Mashru

Asha is a local doctor and has spoken and rallies in support of the Junior Doctors in their dispute with the government over working hours and pay.

Julie Gosling

Julie is part of Making Waves, a local service-user network which is challenging the emerging discourse around mental health.

Chaired by Lauren Mitchell

with Spoken Word artists and music from Soul on Ice DJs

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