Tredegar Medical Aid Society

[1] According to Colin Ward, the model had "evolved from the vast network of friendly societies and mutual aid organisations that had sprung up through working class self-help in the 19th century.

The construction costs were paid by the Tredegar Iron and Coal Company and other local philanthropists, whilst the running of the hospital was underwritten by the ironworkers.

and T. Richards MP[3] concluded that "the Tredegar Workmen's Medical Aid and Sick Relief Fund was far in advance and more beneficial in respect to its members than any of the other societies."

The Tredegar society made large changes that year as the new legislation meant they had to stop giving sick pay of two shillings per week.

By 1925 the society purchased the redundant Palace cinema and converted it into an additional surgery, as well as establishing space for their own dental mechanic.

The society employed five doctors, two dentists with a mechanic[clarification needed] each, pharmacy dispensers and assistants, and a nurse.

Not only did the society see to[clarification needed] the medical expenses, but it also provided good wages and conditions for its staff.

The doctors were allowed some private work, which again was a model followed within the National Health Service when it was established just over a decade after Conway died.

Demand for the Tredegar scheme fell when the NHS was launched, but the society still continued to fulfil what remained of its role.[i.e.

Cronin's career and fiction with specific reference The Citadel and the context of the foundation of the National Health Service.

"A proletarian public sphere: Working class provision of medical services and care in South Wales, c.1900-1948".