Quintessentially British: The NHS

This is the new health centre in a local village - it was built to bring together a number of health services under one roof. It was funded by the local Primary Care Trust and opened last year. Prior to the launch of the NHS poor people were unable to access good healthcare because they had little or no money to pay for it. Since the NHS was launched in 1948 it has grown to become the world's largest publicly funded health service.

The NHS was born out of a long-held belief that good healthcare should be available to all, regardless of wealth, a principle that remains at its core today. With the exception of some charges, such as prescriptions and optical and dental services, the NHS remains free at the point of use for anyone who is resident in the UK. It covers everything from antenatal screening and routine treatments for long-term conditions, to transplants, emergency treatment, and end-of-life care.

The NHS is funded by the tax payer but it is currently under threat from things like 'health tourism', binge drinking and misuse of Accident and Emergency services. There are also currently enquiries into the quality of care received by the elderly in hospitals and care homes. If you've ever fallen sick or had an accident in Britain though, you'll be very grateful for the help and treatment you receive through the NHS.