The Changing Context of Primary Care

Abstract

This paper considers the changing role of primary care both within the NHS, but also in health care in a broader sense. Introducing the reforms made by the Labour government, it also considers other mechanisms through which primary care has been broadened, including the introduction of NHS Direct, as well as the growth of complementary and alternative therapies, and considers the implications of these changes for healthcare financing. It suggests that changes in primary care have considerable potential to transform health services, and make governments rethink their health reforms.