Scotland’s Health 1919-1948

This book provides the most comprehensive study yet produced of Scottish health policy formulation and practical outcomes in the first half of the twentieth century. It explores the history of Scottish autonomy in health policy through the examination of the activities and personnel of the Scottish Board of Health and Department of Health for Scotland. The author examines the political, economic and social context of health provision in Scotland, and considers the autonomy of Scottish health agencies in relation to central government pressures. Scotland’s health patterns are examined through case studies of the health of mothers and babies, and of school-children. Further case studies on tuberculosis and National Health Insurance focus on the health of the adult population. This study also explores wartime health policy and practice and discusses the advent of the National Health Service in Scotland. Scottish administrative autonomy is a subject of current and historical debate.