The National Health Service explained | Guardian Explainers

The NHS has been likened to a national religion, such is its importance in the British psyche. Subscribe to The Guardian ► But with a tight squeeze on its budgets and unprecedented demand for its services it remains a political issue. In fact, the entire history of the NHS, as well as charting major clinical progress, can be seen as a standoff between doctors and politicians. This is the NHS ► Guardian website ► Suggested videos: From Bronx Prep to Yale ► Guardian playlists: Comment is Free ► Guardian Docs ► Guardian Features ► Guardian Animations & Explanations ► Guardian Investigations ► The Global Migration Crisis ► Anywhere but Westminster ► Casett