The early days of health computing in the UK

The invention of RAM in Manchester, UK, in 1948 and the subsequent commercial production of computers paved the way for their wide-spread use in industry and commerce. This Paper details the problems and the successes as computers were introduced into the UK National Health Service. It covers the computers and their uses and lists also the personnel involved. On a broader front it sets the UK scene against the wider international scene, again mentioning those other pioneers elsewhere in the world. It should bring a sense of nostalgia to some and helpful advice to those countries about to go down a similar road.