This comprehensive textbook is a guide to the complete spectrum of public health medicine in Britain. The authors' "Essential Community Medicine" has been completely rewritten to bring it up to date for 1993, including continuing changes in the National Health Service and social services - including trusts and fund-holding GPs. The text begins by setting out the basic concepts of epidemiology and health data, and the principles of disease prevention and its main strategies in a clear, concise way. The elderly, the mentally disordered, the physically handicapped, mothers and their children, they all have their special problems. Their needs and the health and social services available to them are discussed. Separate chapters are devoted to communicable diseases (including AIDS) and environmental health. The book should be of interest to students of medicine and nursing as well as qualified nurses, health visitors, social workers, psychiatric workers and doctors engaged in postgraduate study.