NHS Diamond Anniversary - Happy 60th birthday!
This National Health Service Registration card was issued to Gertrude E Hudson on the very first day of the NHS at the Dr Deacon's surgery on Morrill Street, Holderness Road, Hull. #IMAGE# #SUBHEADING#The NHS's first day#SUBHEADINGEND# On 5th July 1948, the National Health Service was opened for business by Health Secretary Aneurin Bevan at Park Hospital in Manchester. The new National Health Service aspired to free medical services for all regardless of wealth or status, financed through taxation. It was ushered in by Clement Atlee's Labour government as part of their 'cradle to grave' welfare state reforms, and covered the cost of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, opticians and dentists. At first people were suspicious of the new set up, but once they understood that they were seeing the same doctor and getting the same treatment but they didn't have to pay for it, they 'came in their hoards' according to one doctor. This card was featured in a Hull Daily Mail article to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the NHS.
159 Woodhouse Lane
Mr Walter Thomas Castelow's shop at 159 Woodhouse Lane was the oldest surviving chemist shop in Leeds when it was demolished for the redevelopment of the University in 1976.
Making the medicines
Whilst there were a number of medicines which were ordered from outside companies, most remedies were composed behind the chemist's counter. It was a time consuming and skilled process. Read on to discover the life of a pill, from mortar to medicine bottle.
From 159 Woodhouse Lane to Hull Streetlife Museum
When Mr Castelow died at the age of 98 his chemist shop which had stood at 159 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, for 133 years, was to be demolished. Realising the potential loss, Mr Castelow's will provided that the shop's unique contents be preserved within a Yorkshire Museum.
Mr Walter Thomas Castelow
Walter Thomas Castelow was born, 16th January, 1876 in Kirkgate, near Leeds. Castelow was locally educated at Middle Class School, Vernon Road, Leeds, before attending the Yorkshire College, now Leeds University. Working life began in 1894, when at the age of 16 he signed indentures as an apprentice for Messrs. Abbot and Anning, of Fenton Street, Leeds.
The carboy
Seen in many a chemist shop window, the carboy was an impressive symbol of the pharmaceutical profession. There was a range of designs and the coloured liquid contained inside made them an appealing addition to any window display. Read on to discover their origins and uses.
