Welfare Reform on the Web (March 2001): National Health Service - Community and Primary Care Services

THE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT ROLE FOR PRIMARY CARE

S. Abbott and S. Gillam

British Journal of Health Care Management, vol.7, 2001, p.21-24

Paper describes progress made by primary care groups in developing their role in health improvement. Results of a survey of 72 primary care groups found that most are embracing national priorities, assessing local health needs, and contributing to Health Improvement Programmes (HImPs). Although their focus is still on health care rather than health, most are establishing partnerships with other agencies with a role in health improvement.

HOSPITAL AT HOME: WHAT IS ITS PLACE IN THE HEALTH SYSTEM

N. Bentur

Health Policy, vol.55, 2001, p.71-79

Paper describes hospital at home, discusses its development and examines its place in a continuum of care with the hospital system at one end and community services at the other.

LOCAL HEALTH GROUPS: A DISTINCTLY WELSH APPROACH

D. Elliott and I. Jones

British Journal of Health Care Management, vol.7, 2001, p.13-15

The emphasis of Local Health Groups in Wales is on developing partnerships rather than a primary care lead, including partnerships between primary care, the secondary sector, other health and social care providers and local communities. Consequently, they have not been given the option of developing into free-standing primary care trusts or of taking over provision of community health services; nor do they control unified budgets. It is expected that they will continue to exercise additional functions transferred to them in full collaboration with health authorities and local service providers.

LOCUM GPs

S. Williams

Health Which? Dec 2000, p.8-11

Investigation exposes lack of control over locum doctors who provide cover when permanent GPs are off sick or on holiday. Proposes a new system including introduction of standard checks, compulsory registration of locums with the Health Authorities with whom they work, written contracts and formal reviews of performance.