The simple yet instantly recognisable NHS logo and branding is woven into the fabric of our society, and it stands for values and commitments of the organisation. Here’s a look at how the distinctive brand identity has evolved from sketchy beginnings to a globally recognised force with an extensive digital presence.
The early years
When the NHS was born in 1948, there was no universal branding system at all, and the acronym NHS was not even used. It was the world’s first universal healthcare system to be free at point of use rather than paid for with insurance, but despite plenty of publicity the reaction of the general population was not particularly emphatic.
In reality, a group of diverse healthcare services had come together under the umbrella of centralised funding but they continued to operate as before, using their own logos if they had one at all. For example, Great Ormond Street Hospital for sick children continued to use its weeping child logo, and indeed this is still incorporated into its branding today.
The evolution of the brand
A standard logo was eventually introduced, consisting of a blue square and a white cross. By the 1970s, this consisted of a lowercase ‘nhs’ incorporated into the square. However, the branding of the NHS had not begun in earnest until the late 1980s, when it was finally recognized that the organisation would be stronger with a consistent approach.
The 1990s to the 2000s
During the 1990s, the NHS finally adopted a unified logo across the entire organisation, starting with the introduction of the ‘blue lozenge’ logo. This is the familiar white lettering on a blue background that is now the instantly recognisable NHS symbol.
There are strict guidelines for the seemingly simple logo. Pantone no.300 blue is used for the background colour, and the white capital letters are in Frutiger Bold Italic typeface. The length is 2.4 times wider than the height and there are clear rules on size and positioning.
The simplified branding made a huge difference to the public’s perception and understanding of the NHS, and it grew into a symbol of national pride and affection. However, NHS Scotland and NHS Wales have developed their own logos, and the health service in Northern Ireland has a different identity altogether.
The digital age: 2010-2020’s
The simple blue and white NHS logo has translated well into the digital era and now is found across multiple platforms on the internet. This provides guidance and reassurance to the public that they are using an official NHS site, whether to seek advice, order a prescription, or to make an appointment.
The simple but highly effective and memorable design is now associated with trust, authority, and a commitment to high quality standards of healthcare. It’s a classic example of why building a strong brand identity is crucial in the healthcare sector and in pharmacy website design.