4 episodes

When Labour won by a landslide in 1945, Britain was bankrupted by the war, cities & towns had suffered German bombing, and the country was still at war with Japan.
How on Earth then did Aneurin (Nye) Bevan & his team create the NHS when he couldn’t even tell his chancellor how much it would cost? And why did the Tories, doctors, and even Nye’s own party battle against him? 
To celebrate 75 years of the NHS, all is explained in this 4-part documentary series of how a ‘no-good boyo’ from the Welsh Valleys came to create one of Britain’s greatest institutions. 
Narrated by Sian Harries.
Featuring excerpts from the original Nye Bevan 1959 Election Speech and the original Dr Charles Hill ‘The Radio Doctor advises on Christmas Day over-indulgence’ recording (1942).
An Idea Hat Production.
Written by Ian Haig, Kenton Hall, Mark Hayhurst & Dr Carole Reeves.
Based on research for the audio drama, 'Getting Better: The Fight For the NHS', an Audible Original - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Getting-Better-The-Fight-for-the-NHS-Podcast/B09CFFJS79
Readings & interviews: Rhod Gilbert, Kathryn Drysdale, Mike Wozniak, Neve McKintosh, Barnaby Eaton-Jones, Clive Mantle, Annette Badland, Mark Gatiss, Rob James Collier, Charlotte Jakab Hall, Terry Molloy, Colin Baker, Raj Ghatak, Mary Robertson, Sir Marcus Setchell.
Drama Clips from ‘Getting Better’ an Audible Original starring:
- Annette Badland as Mrs Tetlow
- Colin Baker as Dr Charles Hill
- Steve Banks as Jim
- Kathryn Drysdale as Dr Eva Callaway
- Barnaby Eaton-Jones as George Godber
- Nigel Fairs as Herbert Morrison
- Mark Gatiss as Mr Cain
- Raj Ghatak as Lord Moran
- Rhod Gilbert as Nye Bevan
- Rob James-Collier as Dr Reggie Hughes
- Louise Jameson as Matron Unsworth
- Clive Mantle as Sir Wilson Jameson
- Neve McIntosh as Jennie Lee
- Terry Molloy as Lord Horder
- Philip Pope as Newsreader and Presenter
- Tanya Rich as Nurse Vi
- Wink Taylor as Winston Churchill and Alfred Webb-Johnson
- Mike Wozniak as Clement Attlee
Full credits for Getting Better at https://www.ideahat.co.uk/getting-better/
Production Credits:
- Produced by Ian Haig
- Edited by Antoine Kaiserman
- Mixed by Martyn Harries
- Original Music by Alexander White
- Original songs by Andrew Farrington & Andy Rushton
- Additional Music by Audio Network
- Production Co-ordinator: Bex Reichwald Pizzata
- Cover Design by Adam Peters
- Illustration by Kathryn Chorley
Thanks to Robert Norris, Barry O’Donovan, Emma Torrens, Barnaby Eaton-Jones, Lydia Shamah, Katie Arlett, Mariele Runacre-Temple, The British Library, The Aneurin Bevan Society, Jaselle Williams, Adam Freudenheim
Further reading & thanks:
- Nye: The Political Life of Aneurin Bevan, Nicklaus Thomas-Symonds
- In Place of Fear, Nye Bevan
- Aneurin Bevan, Volumes 1 & 2, Michael Foot
- My Life with Nye, Jennie Lee
- Jenne Lee, Patricia Hollis
- ‘Aneurin Bevan & the Socialist Ideal’, Vernon Bogdonor’s Gresham College Lecture, 16/10/21
And finally, a limitless thank you to everyone who does or has worked and volunteered for the NHS. You are all incredible.
Remember, “The NHS will last as long as there are folk with faith left to fight for it."

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nye Bevan's Fight to Create the NHS Idea Hat Productions

    • History
    • 5.0 • 7 Ratings

When Labour won by a landslide in 1945, Britain was bankrupted by the war, cities & towns had suffered German bombing, and the country was still at war with Japan.
How on Earth then did Aneurin (Nye) Bevan & his team create the NHS when he couldn’t even tell his chancellor how much it would cost? And why did the Tories, doctors, and even Nye’s own party battle against him? 
To celebrate 75 years of the NHS, all is explained in this 4-part documentary series of how a ‘no-good boyo’ from the Welsh Valleys came to create one of Britain’s greatest institutions. 
Narrated by Sian Harries.
Featuring excerpts from the original Nye Bevan 1959 Election Speech and the original Dr Charles Hill ‘The Radio Doctor advises on Christmas Day over-indulgence’ recording (1942).
An Idea Hat Production.
Written by Ian Haig, Kenton Hall, Mark Hayhurst & Dr Carole Reeves.
Based on research for the audio drama, 'Getting Better: The Fight For the NHS', an Audible Original - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Getting-Better-The-Fight-for-the-NHS-Podcast/B09CFFJS79
Readings & interviews: Rhod Gilbert, Kathryn Drysdale, Mike Wozniak, Neve McKintosh, Barnaby Eaton-Jones, Clive Mantle, Annette Badland, Mark Gatiss, Rob James Collier, Charlotte Jakab Hall, Terry Molloy, Colin Baker, Raj Ghatak, Mary Robertson, Sir Marcus Setchell.
Drama Clips from ‘Getting Better’ an Audible Original starring:
- Annette Badland as Mrs Tetlow
- Colin Baker as Dr Charles Hill
- Steve Banks as Jim
- Kathryn Drysdale as Dr Eva Callaway
- Barnaby Eaton-Jones as George Godber
- Nigel Fairs as Herbert Morrison
- Mark Gatiss as Mr Cain
- Raj Ghatak as Lord Moran
- Rhod Gilbert as Nye Bevan
- Rob James-Collier as Dr Reggie Hughes
- Louise Jameson as Matron Unsworth
- Clive Mantle as Sir Wilson Jameson
- Neve McIntosh as Jennie Lee
- Terry Molloy as Lord Horder
- Philip Pope as Newsreader and Presenter
- Tanya Rich as Nurse Vi
- Wink Taylor as Winston Churchill and Alfred Webb-Johnson
- Mike Wozniak as Clement Attlee
Full credits for Getting Better at https://www.ideahat.co.uk/getting-better/
Production Credits:
- Produced by Ian Haig
- Edited by Antoine Kaiserman
- Mixed by Martyn Harries
- Original Music by Alexander White
- Original songs by Andrew Farrington & Andy Rushton
- Additional Music by Audio Network
- Production Co-ordinator: Bex Reichwald Pizzata
- Cover Design by Adam Peters
- Illustration by Kathryn Chorley
Thanks to Robert Norris, Barry O’Donovan, Emma Torrens, Barnaby Eaton-Jones, Lydia Shamah, Katie Arlett, Mariele Runacre-Temple, The British Library, The Aneurin Bevan Society, Jaselle Williams, Adam Freudenheim
Further reading & thanks:
- Nye: The Political Life of Aneurin Bevan, Nicklaus Thomas-Symonds
- In Place of Fear, Nye Bevan
- Aneurin Bevan, Volumes 1 & 2, Michael Foot
- My Life with Nye, Jennie Lee
- Jenne Lee, Patricia Hollis
- ‘Aneurin Bevan & the Socialist Ideal’, Vernon Bogdonor’s Gresham College Lecture, 16/10/21
And finally, a limitless thank you to everyone who does or has worked and volunteered for the NHS. You are all incredible.
Remember, “The NHS will last as long as there are folk with faith left to fight for it."

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Episode 1: Who Was Nye Bevan?

    Episode 1: Who Was Nye Bevan?

    Who were Nye Bevan and Jennie Lee? What was life really like before the NHS? And why did Prime Minister Clement Attlee make the most unlikely appointment to his new cabinet?
    To celebrate 75 years of the NHS, all is explained in the first episode of this documentary series of how a ‘no-good boyo’ from the Welsh Valleys came to create one of Britain’s greatest institutions. 
    Narrated by Sian Harries
    An Idea Hat Production. Written by Ian Haig, Kenton Hall, Mark Hayhurst and Dr Carole Reeves
    Based on the research that was carried out for the audio drama 'Getting Better' an Audible Original
    Featuring excerpts from the original Aneurin Bevan 1959 Election Speech
    With readings and interviews from Rhod Gilbert, Kathryn Drysdale, Mike Wozniak, Neve McKintosh, Annette Badland, Mark Gatiss and Sir Marcus Setchell
    Drama Clips included in the documentary from ‘Getting Better, The Fight for the NHS’, An Audible Original 
    Starring: 
    Annette Badland as Mrs TetlowKathryn Drysdale as Dr Eva CallawayBarnaby Eaton-Jones as George GodberMark Gatiss as Mr CainRhod Gilbert as Nye BevanRob James-Collier as Dr Reggie HughesClive Mantle as Sir Wilson JamesonNeve McIntosh as Jennie LeePhilip Pope as Chuter EdeWink Taylor as Winston ChurchillMike Wozniak as Clement AttleeView full credits for Getting Better at https://www.ideahat.co.uk/getting-better/
    Production Credits:
    Produced by Ian HaigEdited by Antoine KaisermanMixed by Martyn HarriesOriginal Music by Alexander WhiteOriginal songs by Andrew Farrington and Andy RushtonAdditional Music by Audio NetworkProduction Co-ordinator – Bex Reichwald Pizzata Cover Design by Adam PetersIllustration by Kathryn ChorleyThank you to Robert Norris, Barry O’Donovan, Emma Torrens, Barnaby Eaton-Jones, Lydia Shamah, Katie Arlett, Mariele Runacre-Temple, The British Library, The Aneurin Bevan Society, Jaselle Williams, Adam Freudenheim.
    And finally, a limitless thank you to everyone who does or has worked and volunteered for the NHS. You are all incredible.
    Remember, “The NHS will last as long as there are folk with faith left to fight for it.”

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 55 min
    Episode 2: What was Nye’s Big Plan?

    Episode 2: What was Nye’s Big Plan?

    What was troublemaker Nye like as a Minister? Who were his team? What was his big idea and why was his first battle with his own party?
    To celebrate 75 years of the NHS, all is explained in episode two of this documentary series of how a ‘no-good boyo’ from the Welsh Valleys came to create one of Britain’s greatest institutions. 
    Narrated by Sian Harries
    An Idea Hat Production. Written by Ian Haig, Kenton Hall, Mark Hayhurst and Dr Carole Reeves
    Based on the research that was carried out for the audio drama 'Getting Better' an Audible Original
    Featuring excerpts from the original Aneurin Bevan 1959 Election Speech.
    With cast readings and interviews from Kathryn Drysdale, Barnaby Eaton-Jones, Clive Mantle, Mark Gatiss, Charlotte Jakab Hall & Sir Marcus Setchell
    Drama Clips included in the documentary from ‘Getting Better, The Fight for the NHS’, An Audible Original 
    Starring: 
    Kathryn Drysdale as Dr Eva CallawayBarnaby Eaton-Jones as George GodberMark Gatiss as Mr CainRhod Gilbert as Nye BevanRob James-Collier as Dr Reggie HughesLouise Jameson as Matron UnsworthClive Mantle as Sir Wilson JamesonNeve McIntosh as Jennie LeeView full credits for Getting Better at https://www.ideahat.co.uk/getting-better/
    Production Credits:
    Produced by Ian HaigEdited by Antoine KaisermanMixed by Martyn HarriesOriginal Music by Alexander WhiteOriginal songs by Andrew Farrington and Andy RushtonAdditional Music by Audio NetworkProduction Co-ordinator – Bex Reichwald PizzataCover Design by Adam PetersIllustration by Kathryn ChorleyThank you to Robert Norris, Barry O’Donovan, Emma Torrens, Barnaby Eaton-Jones, Lydia Shamah, Katie Arlett, Mariele Runacre-Temple, The British Library, The Aneurin Bevan Society, Jaselle Williams, Adam Freudenheim.
    And finally, a limitless thank you to everyone who does or has worked and volunteered for the NHS. You are all incredible.
    Remember, “The NHS will last as long as there are folk with faith left to fight for it.”

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 41 min
    Episode 3: The Battle with the Tories and the Press

    Episode 3: The Battle with the Tories and the Press

    Why did the Tories vote against the NHS? Why did Nye and Jennie receive faeces and fireworks through their letterbox? And why were the doctors Nye’s biggest battle yet?
    To celebrate 75 years of the NHS, all is explained in the third episode of this documentary series of how a ‘no-good boyo’ from the Welsh Valleys came to create one of Britain’s greatest institutions. 
    Narrated by Sian Harries
    An Idea Hat Production. Written by Ian Haig, Kenton Hall, Mark Hayhurst and Dr Carole Reeves
    Based on the research that was carried out for the audio drama 'Getting Better' an Audible Original
    Featuring excerpts from the original Dr Charles Hill ‘The Radio Doctor advises on Christmas Day over indulgence’ recording from 1942
    With readings and interviews from Rhod Gilbert, Rob James Collier and Colin Baker
    Drama Clips included in the documentary from ‘Getting Better, The Fight for the NHS’, an Audible Original 
    Starring: 
    Colin Baker as Dr Charles HillBarnaby Eaton-Jones as George GodberRhod Gilbert as Nye BevanClive Mantle as Sir Wilson JamesonNeve McIntosh as Jennie LeeTerry Molloy as Lord HorderPhilip Pope as PresenterWink Taylor as Winston ChurchillMike Wozniak as Clement AttleeView full credits for Getting Better at https://www.ideahat.co.uk/getting-better/
    Production Credits:
    Produced by Ian HaigEdited by Antoine KaisermanMixed by Martyn HarriesOriginal Music by Alexander WhiteOriginal songs by Andrew Farrington and Andy RushtonAdditional Music by Audio NetworkProduction Co-ordinator – Bex Reichwald Pizzata Cover Design by Adam PetersIllustration by Kathryn ChorleyThank you to Robert Norris, Barry O’Donovan, Emma Torrens, Barnaby Eaton-Jones, Lydia Shamah, Katie Arlett, Mariele Runacre-Temple, The British Library, The Aneurin Bevan Society, Jaselle Williams, Adam Freudenheim.
    And finally, a limitless thank you to everyone who does or has worked and volunteered for the NHS. You are all incredible.
    Remember, “The NHS will last as long as there are folk with faith left to fight for it.”

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 33 min
    Episode 4: The Fight with the Doctors and the First Days of the NHS

    Episode 4: The Fight with the Doctors and the First Days of the NHS

    With everyone so set against it, how did Nye manage to get the NHS through? What was the first day of the NHS like? And why didn’t the Tories overturn the NHS’s creation?
    To celebrate 75 years of the NHS, all is explained in this bonus documentary series of how a ‘no-good boyo’ from the Welsh Valleys came to create one of Britain’s greatest institutions. 
    Narrated by Sian Harries
    An Idea Hat Production. Written by Ian Haig, Kenton Hall, Mark Hayhurst and Dr Carole Reeves
    Based on the research that was carried out for the audio drama 'Getting Better', an Audible Original
    Featuring excerpts from the original Aneurin Bevan 1959 election speech
    With readings and interviews from Rhod Gilbert, Kathryn Drysdale, Terry Molloy and Mary Robertson
    Drama Clips included in the documentary from ‘Getting Better, The Fight for the NHS’, an Audible Original 
    Starring: 
    Colin Baker as Dr Charles HillSteve Banks as JimBarnaby Eaton-Jones as George GodberNigel Fairs as Herbert MorrisonRaj Ghatak as Lord MoranRhod Gilbert as Nye BevanClive Mantle as Sir Wilson JamesonNeve McIntosh as Jennie LeeTerry Molloy as Lord HorderTanya Rich as Nurse ViWink Taylor as Winston Churchill and Alfred Webb-JohnsonMike Wozniak as Clement AttleeView full credits for Getting Better at https://www.ideahat.co.uk/getting-better/
    Production Credits
    Produced by Ian HaigEdited by Antoine KaisermanMixed by Martyn HarriesOriginal Music by Alexander WhiteOriginal songs by Andrew Farrington and Andy RushtonAdditional Music by Audio NetworkProduction Co-ordinator – Bex Reichwald Pizzata Cover Design by Adam PetersIllustration by Kathryn ChorleyThank you to Robert Norris, Barry O’Donovan, Emma Torrens, Barnaby Eaton-Jones, Lydia Shamah, Katie Arlett, Mariele Runacre-Temple, The British Library, The Aneurin Bevan Society, Jaselle Williams, Adam Freudenheim.
    And finally, a limitless thank you to everyone who does or has worked and volunteered for the NHS. You are all incredible.
    Remember, “The NHS will last as long as there are folk with faith left to fight for it.”

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    • 40 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
7 Ratings

7 Ratings

Cottosqueak ,

A great listen!

Really enjoyed this interesting look at the beginnings of the NHS and the people involved.

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