We have a 1956 National Health Service Booklet in the Twentieth Century Cabinet of our History of Medicine Collection.
The National Health Service was launched in 1948 by the Minister of Health at the time, Aneurin Bevan. Before then, people were expected to pay for their treatment by doctors, but the creation of the NHS meant that universal healthcare, free at the point of delivery, was available. People received leaflets telling them how it would operate and what they were entitled to.
This leaflet, shortly after the creation of the NHS, offers guidance to new mothers on how to access health services, and how to look after themselves and their babies. Assistance with vitamins and milk tokens are both offered.