Those at the grassroots of primary care have been provided with a unique opportunity to plan and shape the modern NHS. This book describes the work of primary care groups in their first months and describes everything from the initial aims of PCGs through to primary care trusts and the future. The excellent panel of contributors who are practised members of PCGs describe their experiences and the lessons they have learnt. The book explores how organisations will evolve and provides guidance on theory people and functions. It is essential reading for members of PCG teams and those with or aspiring to PCT status.

Jill Thistlethwaite, Dr John Spencer

The context. Learning from history. The code of conduct: professionalism, law and ethics. Professional-patient relationships. Communication and its relationship to professionalism. Cultural diversity and competence. Professional knowledge and development: keeping up-to-date. Personal development and self-care. The nature of autonomy - for the professional and the patient. Learning and teaching professionalism. Assessing professionalism. Professionalism and social justice - the next step?