ABSTRACT
General practitioners (GPs), and other members of the primary care team, are faced regularly with the housing situation of their patients. Housing is but one determinant of health. Other factors include income, other material conditions, employment, ethnicity, education, social support and psychosocial wellbeing. There are many challenges on the road towards greater equity in health and housing. Opportunities will arise for GPs and other primary care professionals, such as health visitors, practice nurses and district nurses. The government acknowledges the role of housing for health, as shown in initiatives such as the fuel poverty strategy. Primary care trusts with GPs and others on their Boards will be expected to help deliver local Health Improvement Programmes, which may incorporate collaboration with other government departments and non-government agencies, including the housing area. The role of primary care professionals as observers and narrators of people's lives and housing conditions remains important for informing public policy, including feedback on progress and blocks.
