The Conservative Medical Society was established in 1975 as 'an independent and national organisation whose overriding commitment is to put the care of patients as the top priority in the health services.' [Source: Conservative Newsline (Apr 1988, no. 277) Shelfmark: PUB 126/2]. It promoted debate within the Conservative Party on health care, by holding meetings and publishing papers on health matters. Full membership was open to anyone with a professional health qualification, while Associate membership was available to those interested or involved with the development of improved health care throughout the United Kingdom. The Society was open to differing views, but committed to Conservative principles of freedom, quality and diversity - and to the principle that the NHS should remain as the provider of health care for all who need it, free at the point of delivery. in Jan 2011 the Society changed its name to Conservative Health.