ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the legal and contractual obligations of primary care, the assessment of the needs of patients and the promotion of the practice as a friendly and helpful organization. It also discusses the principles governing the provision of clinical care, and health education and the prevention of disease. One of the basic principles of the National Health Service has always been that patients should be able to obtain medical advice, when required, free at the point of access. It is important for a practice manager to have a working knowledge of recent legislation in order to advise patients, receptionists and doctors, and be able to institute appropriate procedures in the practice. 'Needs' assessment can take place all the time, as patients use the system and the team responds to changes in workload. Patients trust doctors and, to a large extent, extend that trust to the whole of the primary health care team.
