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Primary care delivering the future

The proposals outlined in this White Paper represent a programme for action both nationally and locally, building on recent changes. It considers developing partnerships in primary care, and between primary and secondary care and local authorities. The education and training of primary care professionals, the role of research and development and the importance of clinical audit are then discussed. Proposals are made for the fairer distribution of resources and their effective use, including an extra £65 million in General Medical services cash limited funds and £32 million new funds for health authorities specifically for community and primary care service improvements in 1997/98. Workforce planning and employment opportunities, together with plans for improvements in primary care premises are discussed. The final section considers the better organisation of primary care by linking practices together, improved management support, and increased use of information technology. Cites nine references. Stationery Office Publication. No electronic downloadable version of this document is available.