Medicine - Public health since 1900

Reforms 1900-1948

• Surveys by Charles Booth and Seebohm Rowntree showed how difficult it was for the working classes to afford decent housing and food
• 1/3 of volunteers to fight in the Boer War (1899-1902) did not pass the army health tests (nearly 90% failed the test in slums areas of norther cities)

Timeline

• 1902 - Midwives Act - all midwives had to be trained and registered
• 1906 - Free school meals for poor children
• 1907 - School Medical Service
•          - Health visitors to check on mothers and young children
• 1908 - Old Age Pensions Act
• …