With the advent of the new health authorities, multifunds and consortia, it is likely that the GP's professional leadership of primary care will rapidly become only one of a number of provider options. This book defines some of the future options for the organization of primary care. The evolving possible roles of GPs and practices in these changing circumstances are examined closely. As the new health authorities come into full legislative force, how will they deploy the combined financial allocations for primary and secondary care to support their new capacity to enter into local contracts? Which health care providers will emerge in this market place in response to this shift in commissioning power? These are critical questions for general practice. With contributions from a variety of sources that reflect the varied origins of organizational initiatives, this is a book for planners, providers and purchasers of extended primary care.

Quality is at the heart of the government's strategy for NHS development, and which is to be delivered through clinical governance. This book explores accreditation through practical case studies and research findings, and outlines how it can assure the quality of care. Systems of accreditation for measuring and improving quality are described, and show how they can be used easily and effectively to meet the challenges of the new NHS. It is clear, concise and relevant to all the current changes in healthcare provision. All those responsible for delivering a service based on clinical and cost effectiveness will find it essential reading. 'In the United Kingdom primary health care is based almost wholly on general practice. From April 1999 all general practices will belong to primary care groups. Questions of quality and accountability will be high on their agenda as part of the new arrangements for clinical governance. This book on accreditation in primary care is therefore most timely.' Sir Donald Irvine, President, General Medical Council, in the Introduction

A creative memoir of a much loved husband, father, brother, son killed in a peacetime RAF flying accident in the early days of Meteor jet fighters.

50 soulful poems on life, love and finding happiness by writer and storyteller Geoff Mead (author of Coming Home to Story: Storytelling Beyond Happily Ever After).

An exploration of death, bereavement and grief. This first hand account gives Geoff Mead's experience of responding to the loss of his wife from a brain tumour. Giving insight into the grieving process and how Geoff learned to manage his grief, this book will offer hope to anyone experiencing something similar. After coming to the realisation that mourning is a conscious process, to which we can apply creativity, passion and intelligence, Geoff explored the unknown territory of bereavement through his writing. The book shows how artful practice, such as writing, can help to make sense of our experience and navigate the wreckage of grief.

Stories take us into other worlds so that we may experience our own more deeply. Master storyteller Geoff Mead brings the reader inside the experience of telling and listening to a story. He shows how stories and storytelling engage our imaginations, strengthen communities and bring adventure and joy into our lives. The narrative is interspersed with consummate retellings of traditional tales from all over the world.

Primary Care Trusts are a flagship initiative of government policy for modernising the NHS. The new requirement for frontline healthcare professionals to work together stretches across both community care and public health, and as a result traditional boundaries are being blurred and new local roles and resources are emerging right across the primary care sector. This book draws practical lessons for Primary Care Trusts from applied research and development programmes in other parts of the NHS, other parts of the public sector, parallel developments in the private sector and relevant international experience. With contributions from the Health Management Group and its associates, this book provides a comprehensive approach and practical guidance. It includes new specific models for local development on clinical governance, evidence-based medicine, use of applied health services research, social services collaboration, new organisational partnerships, public health alliances, community hospital usage and managed care. Trust in Experience will enable readers to create PCTs as their own organisations and not simply as local agents of central policy, and perceive changes as positive opportunities whilst recognising the risks involved.