Art of “holding patient care in general practice” is key to survival of the NHS

Abstract

Data on hospital beds are important1 but must not eclipse upstream priorities for tackling pressures in the NHS. Strengthening general practice is crucial. This calls for medical educators and NHS leaders who value and promote generalist skills—in particular, the art of “holding patient care in general practice.” “Holding” necessitates meeting patients’ health needs as far as possible entirely within the primary care setting and avoiding premature or unnecessary secondary care involvement or specialist investigations. Community presentations such as …