Hospital Sunday and the new National Health Service: An End to ‘The Voluntary Spirit’ in England?

The advent of the welfare state has been seen by some historians as a decisive blow for British traditions voluntarism, echoing concerns raised in lead up to establishment National Health Service (NHS). This article examines practice Hospital Sunday England post-war period. In doing so it evidences effect nationalization voluntary hospitals 1948 on relationships between clergy, their congregations and health care. It argues that much greater attention needs be paid continuities evident Christian-inspired social action NHS long 1950s after. Attending role such Christian allows both extend our knowledge importance Christianity life period deepen understanding operation state.