ABSTRACT
A little known working class area of northwest Sheffield, boundaried by the moors and spaces that famously edge the city. Foxhill has had a neighbourhood practice since the post-war era, when a single-handed doctor set up his home and business there. The workload was horrendous, the building archaic, the night life a little dodgy, and some of the patients a danger both to themselves and to others. A committed general practitioners will enjoy the majority of patient contact because it is a necessary skill of their speciality. The shift from small business to health centre was untramelled by managerial direction, and there was space for innovation in practice. Some of the philosophy that has driven Foxhill parallels the latest work on good practice in empowerment. The chapter promotes active patient involvement in self-care, 'full involvement and control' being reflected in people explicit meeting structure which allows all staff groups some involvement in management.
