Dr Finlay and the making of the NHS... - Thyroid UK

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Dr Finlay and the making of the NHS...

DippyDame profile image
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In his most recent insight into Scotland’s medical history and modern healthcare landscape, Chris Holme looks at how a novel from doctor-turned-author, AJ Cronin, influenced the formation of the NHS

healthandcare.scot/stories/...

I wonder what AJ Cronin would make of thyroid treatment by the NHS in 2023!!

I recently re-read The Citadel (1937) ....

In my opinion,'says Andrew Manson, 'Hughes is only sick in mind because he's sick in body. I feel he's suffering from thyroid deficiency-an absolutely straight case of myxoedema.'Treatment with thyroid extract is started.

Knowledge and observation.....no numbers!!

Just thought I'd share!!

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DippyDame
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humanbean profile image
humanbean

I bought one of the original source books for Dr Finlay on Kindle a few years ago. This one :

amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01...

I've also read The Citadel.

I have no memory of watching any TV adaptations at any time, but I was under the impression that Dr Finlay was portrayed as having a heart of gold. But reading the books made me think that yes, he might have been a good doctor, but he was really not the kind of doctor I'd like to meet in real life. There were quite a few occasions when I found his behaviour as a doctor rather scary, and I didn't see much of the charm that was allegedly visible in the TV series.

humanbean profile image
humanbean in reply to humanbean

Having said that, I can see why it was instrumental in making the case for the NHS to be created. Having a doctor blowing up bad drains with dynamite to prevent repeated infection (and some deaths? I can't remember exactly) was an excellent, if somewhat unbelievable story. :)

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to humanbean

Currently Part 7 of The Citadel currently available on BBC Sounds:

Released On: 04 Jun 2023

Available for 26 days

It's 1929, and Dr Denny indirectly causes Manson's young daughter Gwyneth to have an accident, leading to drastic action.

Medical drama set in the 1920s before the creation of the UK's National Health Service.

Based on AJ Cronin's groundbreaking novel.

Omnibus of five parts written by Christopher Reason and Tom Needham.

Dr Manson ...... Rupert Hill

Dr Denny ...... Matthew Gravelle

Christine ...... Jenny Platt

Ivan Brice ...... Joe Belham

Returning Officer ...... Gerrard Fletcher

Gwyneth ...... Charlotte Sienna Lee

Tom Evans ...... Jason Done

Aled Evans ...... James Kelly

Bryn the Book ...... Gerrard Fletcher

Other parts played by the cast.

Director: Gary Brown

Producers: Pauline Harris & Gary Brown

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2020.

bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/b0b9...

And some episodes of Dr Finlay and Farewell Doctor Finlay (Dr Margaret McCartney and leading medical historians tell the story of general practice):

bbc.co.uk/sounds/search?q=f...

(Probably not available outside the UK - but I'm never sure about that!)

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