Fix what's wrong, not what's right, with general practice in Britain

doi:10.1136/bmj.320.7250.1616

BMJ 2000;320:1616-1617 ( 17 June )

Editorials

Fix what's wrong, not what's right, with general practice in Britain

It has provided better health than government spending deserves

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

British primary care is said to be the envy of the world. The spirit of experimentation anchored to a sound foundation ofcare led by general practitioners provides other countries withexamples of accessible services, continuity of care, and innovativepayment systems. Although Britain's healthcare statistics arenot the best in the world they are far better than expected giventhe comparatively low funding of the healthcare system and therelatively inadequate systems of social support. Seen from theoutside, Britain has clearly done something right with its NationalHealth Service, which is based on and increasingly strengthenedby its infrastructure of primarycare.

The key features of a strong, functioning primary healthcare system are the ability to provide continuity of care and a comprehensivefinancing system. Until now continuity of care has existed inthe United Kingdom because every patient is registered with ageneral practitioner (a patient list . . . [Full text of this article]

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Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

Only in some parts of the Country: Colin Mackenzie
bmj.com, 16 Jun 2000 [Full text]
Babies and bathwater: Chris Manning
bmj.com, 18 Jun 2000 [Full text]
Does it have to be one or the other?: Dilip DaCruz
bmj.com, 20 Jun 2000 [Full text]
If it ain't broke don't fix it - use it: Gillian R Cooper
bmj.com, 21 Jun 2000 [Full text]
Re: Does it have to be one or the other?: Chris Manning
bmj.com, 22 Jun 2000 [Full text]
Continuity of care in modern general practice: Maureen Baker
bmj.com, 28 Jun 2000 [Full text]
There's a lot wrong now: Malcolm Aylett
bmj.com, 22 Jul 2000 [Full text]
Re: There's a lot wrong now: Arun N Patel
bmj.com, 8 May 2002 [Full text]