Why were 1000 Scottish patients sent to Switzerland in the early 1950s?

What was the comprehensive, state-funded health service set up 35 years ahead of the National Health Service?

Who was the real Dr Finlay? And what is the link between the fictional Finlay and the founder of the NHS, Aneurin Bevan?

The answers to these questions and many more can be found in the first web-based history of the NHS in Scotland.

The first phase of the website launches today. It has been developed as part of this year's celebrations of 60 years of the NHS. As well as charting the distinctively Scottish contributions before the NHS came into being on 5 July 1948, the website hosts a historic timeline of key milestones, a number of feature articles and the personal experience and recollection of patients and staff across the last six decades.

The site will be updated before the actual anniversary date on 5 July with more stories from patients and staff and features on how the service has evolved over six decades.

It aims to help young and old, those wanting a quick glance and those with a more serious interest in family, social and health history of Scotland.

Visit the 60th anniversary site ›››