Originally published in 1977, this book explored some of the major problems besetting the Health Service during the second half of the twentieth century. Now, as then, they offer both historical perspective on contemporary difficulties and invite debate about the future development of health services. 'Overall this book provides a useful window on questions thought to be important by knowledgeable teachers and critics of the NHS...of particular interest are the essays on planning and administration at the local level...' Rosemary Stevens, Tulane University, USA.