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Getting Better: The Fight for the NHS cover art

Getting Better: The Fight for the NHS

By: Paul Birch,Kenton Hall,Ian Haig,Mark Hayhurst
Narrated by: Rhod Gilbert,Kathryn Drysdale,Neve McIntosh,Rob James Collier,Mike Wozniak,Mark Gatiss,Raj Ghatak,Annette Badland,Clive Mantle,Mina Anwar,Barnaby Eaton Jones,Louise Jameson,Paterson Joseph,Sharon D. Clarke,Terry Molloy
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  • Summary

  • An entertaining drama based on Nye Bevan’s race to create the new NHS by 5 July 1948. Getting Better is a roller coaster period drama based on real political events alongside the fictional story of front-line tears, trauma and triumph at The Park Hospital in Manchester. As Bevan faces up to the establishment in Parliament, Dr Eva Callaway faces the same challenges – facing poverty, sexism and homophobia in a system stuck in the past.  

    “Rhod Gilbert brings comic timing to a fine new drama about the creation of the NHS.... Getting Better could be beefed up into a perfect Sunday evening TV drama." (The Guardian)
    ©2021 Audible, Ltd (P)2021 Audible, Ltd
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Episodes
  • Ep 1: Landslide

    Ep 1: Landslide
    Aug 18 2021

    Everyone warns Prime Minister Clement Attlee not to appoint Welsh socialist Nye Bevan as Minister for Health. 

    And Dr Eva Callaway gets off to an explosive start on her first day at Manchester’s Park Hospital.
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    37 mins
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  • Ep 2: David and Goliath

    Ep 2: David and Goliath
    Aug 18 2021

    Nye Bevan, the youngest member of the cabinet, must overcome his demons to take on the most powerful man in the Labour Party. In Manchester, Eva and Dr Reggie Hughes must find common ground to save an unvaccinated child. 
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    32 mins
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  • Ep 3: A Clean Bill of Health

    Ep 3: A Clean Bill of Health
    Aug 18 2021

    Nye attempts to woo the King’s physician Lord Horder and Charles Hill AKA ‘The Radio Doctor’. Meanwhile Reggie finds himself in deep water.
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    32 mins
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Historical Fiction
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What listeners say about Getting Better: The Fight for the NHS

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

A real surprise!

I really enjoyed this. To me, this story is docu-dram-edy! I never knew much about Nye Bevan and the formation of the NHS. It is a story worth telling and worth hearing. I am hooked!

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9 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Sarah

A story we should all know

This series really brought to life the struggle of the people who brought the NHS to life - so much better than reading about it in a text book. While we all love the NHS there is no harm in reminding ourselves of the unimaginably awful decisions which faced families who couldn't afford health care in the past. We should do all we can to protect it by voting in the right politicians who will actively support it through their deeds not words!

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6 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Elizabeth Mills

Terrific

This docu-drama really brought the birth of the NHS to life. The cast list is huge and well acted. I hope many people will listen to this and appreciate every aspect of our precious NHS.

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6 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Gaynor JJ

Reminds you not to take the NHS for granted.

A moving story. Convinced the NHS would wither away if we don't keep fighting for its survival

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5 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Leanne

This is precisely the Best Medicine and Treatment

very enjoyable, educational and well worth lisyening to. Rhod Gilbert is brilliant and the whole cast were fantastic. mixing fact and fictional characters worked very well. Thank you and thank the NHS

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5 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Alison Howie

Inspiring- how lucky we are

This was so relevant at a time when the nhs is on its knees following the pandemic but also 123 since its inception how lucky we are to have free health care but that just as Bevin recognised one fur fur purpose. It’s 2021 not 1948 I think everyone should see/hear abs debate this amazing piece of work and recognise how lucky we are but that everything needs reform and in that process a little harm can save what is good.
Amazing writing, cast and story as an NHS employee fir over 25yrs it has made me feel proud again. EVERYONE should hear this wonderful piece- get it on the telly. Thank you

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4 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

Getting Better

An excellent performance and interesting story about the passion and ability of a terrific orator Nye Bevan pushing an idea of free health to all regardless of means.
A testament to the ability of the script writers to make history relevant today.
Brilliant!

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3 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Oakley6

Need to be adapted for TV!

Just finished listening to all 10 episodes and enjoyed every minute. A fascinating insight into a key period in our history, but with great human interest and characters that you can really believe in. Great writing and some fantastic performances as well. Rhod Gilbert is notably exceptional in his first serious role. I am sure a TV adaptation would be a huge hit too.

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3 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Sammy

Brilliant

Brilliant would love another series please. Not normally a fan of audio dramas but this was great.

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2 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Adam Spicer

Just brilliant, good historical accuracy

What a gem!
Amazing acting with an Interesting subject
Such a great story of life before the NHS
Finished in one day as so gripping
Thank god for our nhs and free for all healthcare access for last 75 years
We must fight for this to never change regardless of the government's constant cuts, bashing in the media and push to private healthcare models slowly seeping in
LONG LIVE OUR NHS

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