Following a number of high-profile deaths, the first Aids advertising campaign was launched in 1986.
1980s - MRI scans introduced
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners prove more effective than earlier equipment in providing information about soft tissue, such as scans of the brain. The patient lies inside a large cylindrical magnet and extremely strong radio waves are then sent through the body.
MRI provides very detailed pictures, so is particularly useful for finding tumours in the brain. It can also identify conditions such as multiple sclerosis and the extent of damage following a stroke.
1980s - Keyhole surgery
Keyhole surgery is used for the first time in an operation to remove a gallbladder. The technical name for it is laparoscopic surgery, after the instrument that’s used to perform the surgery. A thin telescopic rod lit with a fibre-optic cable is connected to a tiny camera that sends images of the area being operated on to a monitor. The procedure will go on to be one of the most common uses of this kind of surgery. It will also be used for hernia repairs and removal of the colon and the kidney.
1980s - The Black Report
Commissioned three years earlier by David Ennals, then secretary of state, the report aims to investigate the inequality of healthcare that still exists despite the foundation of the NHS. This includes gaps between social classes in the usage of medical services, infant mortality rates and life expectancy. Poor people are still more likely to die earlier than the rich. The Whitehead Report in 1987 and the Acheson report in 1998 reached the same conclusion.
1981 - improved health of babies
Childhood survival has been revolutionised by vaccination programmes, better sanitation and improved standards of living, resulting in better health for both mothers and children.
Pregnant women are much more aware of how to protect their unborn child by improving their diet and avoiding smoking or drinking.
Increased numbers of births in hospital have meant that where unexpected problems occur, medical help is on hand. Around one baby in eight requires some kind of special care following birth, often because of premature birth or low birth weight.
Twenty years ago, only 20% of babies weighing less than 1kg (2lbs 2oz) at birth survived. Now that figure is closer to 80%.
1986 - first Aids health campaign
Following a number of high-profile deaths, the Aids advertising campaign sets out to shock, using images of tombstones and icebergs. It was followed early in 1987 by a household leaflet with the slogan 'Don’t die of ignorance'.
This was in keeping with the NHS’s original intention to improve health and prevent disease, as well as offer treatment.
1987 - heart, lung and liver transplant
Professor Sir Roy Calne and Professor John Wallwork carry out the world’s first liver, heart and lung transplant at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge. Professor Calne describes the patient as “plucky” and she survives for a further 10 years after the procedure. Her healthy heart is donated to another transplant patient.
1988 - breast screening introduced
An ambitious project to reduce breast cancer deaths in women over 50 is launched, with breast screening units around the country providing free mammograms.
A mammogram works by taking an X-ray of each breast. These X-rays show changes in tissue that might otherwise be undetectable. This means that any abnormalities show up as early as possible, making treatment more effective.
Screening, together with improved drug therapies, including tamoxifen and herceptin, will help to reduce the number of breast cancer deaths by more than 20%, a trend that looks set to continue.
