ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book illustrates the twin challenges of developing new patterns of primary and community-based health services and funding and designing appropriate buildings in which these services can be housed. It draws on private finance packages secured by GP practices; partnerships with private development companies; finance raised from regional and district health authorities; capital raised in partnership with local authorities from regeneration programmes such as City Challenge, Single Regeneration Budget and the Rural Development Commission; and capital grants from charitable foundations. The book also illustrates an expanding range of options for financing premises for primary care. Many existing primary care premises may be too small or otherwise inappropriate to accommodate an expanded range of primary and community health services.
