Writing the seventh chapter of my book about the evolution of medicine and surgery, we find ourselves reflecting on the whirlwind that was the 20th century—a brief chapter in human history that packed in jaw-dropping achievements and shocking tragedies. This era saw incredible technological advancements in every field, especially surgery, yet it also witnessed unprecedented levels of cruelty and war. The combined death toll of the 20th century reaches a staggering 174 million people, with another 95 million injured through non-fatal means, whether through war, famine, or pandemic.
Despite the grim backdrop of conflict, the medical field showed remarkable adaptability and progress. Each new challenge—from pandemics to pathologies—spurred innovations that continually redefined the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare. This odd mix of progress and perpetual conflict underscores a century that, while brief, profoundly influenced the trajectory of human civilisation. General Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, ‘I hate war as only a soldier who lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.’ His words resonate deeply as political leaders seem to keep making perilous decisions, unlearning the hard-earned lessons of peace and cooperation.
Writing this book, tentatively titled The Edge of Sleep, has turned into quite the adventure. The establishment of the NHS on 5 July 1948 was a revolutionary moment in the United Kingdom’s history, ushering in a new era of social welfare and public health. Born from the collective resolve to rebuild a nation ravaged by the Second World War, the NHS aimed to provide comprehensive healthcare to all citizens, free at the point of use and funded through taxation. This radical shift eliminated financial barriers to medical care, significantly improving public health and fostering a sense of social solidarity.
The impact of the NHS was immediate and profound. It eased the burden of medical expenses on families, especially those from working-class backgrounds, reducing health disparities and enhancing the overall quality of life. By providing universal healthcare, the NHS became a cornerstone of the welfare state, complementing other social reforms and contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development.
The NHS also played a crucial role in advancing medical science and practice. The centralised system facilitated better coordination of care, standardisation of procedures, and widespread public health initiatives. As a major employer, the NHS provided jobs and training opportunities, boosting the economy and fostering professional growth.
The creation of the NHS faced significant challenges and opposition, but the vision and determination of its architects, particularly Aneurin Bevan, ensured its success. The NHS transformed the relationship between the state and its citizens, embedding principles of equity and universality in healthcare that continue to define it today.
As we look at the 21st century, it’s clear that the issues of the 20th century are far from resolved. The world is a very different place compared to the early 1900s. Today, people are more informed, often carrying a supercomputer in their pockets, yet the level of naivety and ignorance is palpably worse. The advent of the internet and smartphones was supposed to democratise information and foster global understanding. Instead, it has also facilitated the spread of misinformation, polarisation, and a kind of wilful ignorance that is alarmingly pervasive.
Consider the remarkable advancements we have made in medicine, technology, and communication. Despite these leaps forward, the human condition seems to stubbornly cling to the same pitfalls: conflict, greed, and an alarming disregard for the lessons of the past. We have seen the resurgence of diseases we thought eradicated, the persistence of poverty and inequality, and the rise of new forms of warfare and terror. The 21st century has already faced significant challenges—global pandemics, climate change, and geopolitical tensions—that echo the tumultuous events of the previous century.
The NHS, now more than 75 years old, continues to embody the principles of universal healthcare and social equity. Yet it too faces modern challenges: funding crises, staffing shortages, and the pressures of an aging population. As we move further into the 21st century, it is crucial to remember the lessons of the 20th century—lessons of resilience, innovation, and the importance of collective welfare.
It’s a sobering moment for me, as the writer, to look at these moments in time and realise the absolute stupidity of war. And then you turn on the news and it feels like history is repeating itself. The cycle of conflict and the struggle for peace continue to shape our world, just as they did in the 20th century.
