Nation’s Health, The

Synopsis: Drama series produced by Verity Lambert and written by G.F. Newman with the aim of highlighting the failings of the NHS. Screened in 1983, when the consequences of NHS spending cuts were becoming increasingly apparent and for-profit culture loomed large, The Nation’s Health detailed the dismaying experiences of a young, newly qualified female doctor; it also questioned what Newman sees as the inherently damaging doctor-patient relationship, and dramatised a disturbing loss of humanity within the medical profession. Underlining the intent to encourage wider debate, a televised studio discussion followed each episode.

As well as spending several months as a trainee nurse, closely observing procedure in wards and admin departments to gain insight into his subject, Newman cast qualified nurses and actors with first-hand experience in medicine. The result is an impassioned investigative drama filmed in a documentary style, portraying an institution which many people at the time saw as being in terminal decline.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Year of release: 1983
Subjects: Social Studies; Health Education; Media studies
Keywords: hospital management; hospitals; National Health Service; social issues

Name: Euston Films
Notes: Production company set up in the 1970s as a wholly owned subsidiary of Thames TV to make drama on film.

Name: Network
Email: shop@networkonair.com
Web: http://networkonair.com/ External site opens in new window
Phone: 01992 657707
Address: 19-20 Blythe Road
Berghem Mews
Hammersmith
London
W14 0HN
Notes: Founded in 1997, Network specialises in distributing niche television programmes, predominantly licensed from Granada Ventures and Fremantle. They have recently branched into feature film distribution. Sale via retail outlets or direct via Network’s website, which has some’web exclusive’ offers.

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