ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the meaning of health in the light of the limitations of theories. Health is what people need to develop a life story that is meaningful to them. D. Seedhouse explored the adequacy of different definitions of health and found them all wanting. Seedhouse concludes that health is 'the foundation for achievement'. Health is a cluster of things that help people to achieve their meaningful future. Health as a commodity, the dominant image in UK health care, 'conceals from people their wider potential by undermining their metaphysical strengths'. A transactional analysis suggests that successful strategy for integrated primary health care provides opportunities for actors from all parts of the system to find win–win accord. Leadership enables participants from different backgrounds to do this in 'learning spaces' where they share their stories and find imaginative ways forward together.
