What is the NHS?
The NHS, or National Health Service, is the publicly funded health care system of the United Kingdom. Founded in 1948, it provides most health care free at the point of use to residents, paid for through taxes.
The NHS was launched on 5 July 1948 by Health Secretary Aneurin Bevan as part of the welfare state created after World War II. It was based on the principle that health care should be available to all, regardless of wealth.
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each run their own health services, but all are commonly referred to as the NHS. NHS England is the largest.
What it covers
The NHS provides family doctors, called GPs, hospitals, emergency care, maternity services and mental health care. Patients in England pay a set charge for most prescriptions, though many groups, such as children and older people, are exempt.
The NHS is one of the largest employers in the world, with more than a million staff in England alone.
Many Britons see the NHS as a national treasure, and it featured in the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics. However, it faces pressures such as long waiting lists, staff shortages and rising demand. The emergency number to call is 999, and 111 is used for urgent but non-emergency advice.