Community involvement and Primary Care Trusts: The case for social entrepreneurship

This article looks at the different and sometimes conflicting policy drivers for a move towards greater community involvement in primary health care. In this context, research findings focusing on community involvement initiatives that have taken place within general practices, Primary Care Groups (PCGs) and Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) are explored and the key issues for implementation are appraised. Using an evaluation of a team set up to foster community involvement with the PCTs in Bradford, the utility of a social entrepreneurship approach is considered. It is argued that this form of approach can be employed as a means of utilizing the work of existing groups and operating in a 'joined up' way. It is further contended that an emphasis on process and on social entrepreneurship can foster the development of community involvement practices in Primary Care Trusts to meet the current and changing health needs of local communities.