The scope for preventive medicine in general practice in the East End

Primary care is seen as an obvious setting for preventive programmes, but a number of studies present a negative view of inner city primary care, with criticism directed particularly at older single-handed GPs. This may not be justified. A survey of 56 of the 84 GPs in the inner London borough of Tower Hamlets, found a higher than average proportion of single-handed GPs over 60 and a high level of dissatisfaction with premises. Half said they carried out some kind of preventive programme, usually hypertension screening, and three quarters were interested in doing so. Only one practice had a patient support group, but 70 per cent thought they were a good idea. Given support and help, more GPs would consider preventive programmes and set up patient support groups.