Clin Med
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The key to any successful healthcare system is the recognition of the inseparable partnerships between the individual patient and their doctor. Diseases can be studied in populations but in contrast, patients are individuals and must be respected as such. There are several reasons why this partnership has been eroded as the NHS evolved over the last 60 years. ⋯ There is an urgent need for government, management, the medical regulators, the profession and patients to work together, mutually respecting and trusting each others' complementary skills, responsibilities and needs. Consultation with any of these groups alone has not and will not resolve the problem. The colleges working with patients now have a leading opportunity to ensure that whatever changes are introduced into the NHS, this crucial partnership is recognised as the enduring linchpin in quality medical care of patients.
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Neurology in England is expanding rapidly. In 2005 there were, on average, 7.2 (2.5) new and 16.8 (8.6) follow-up appointments per 1,000 population, an increase of 24% and 19% respectively since 2003. The chance of an individual being seen in this specialty varies widely according to primary care trust. This paper considers the causes and implications for neurological health, service delivery and neurology training.