Is there a GP in the hospital?

Modern health care is increasingly complex with a progression to specialisation and super specialisation in the primary and tertiary settings. Traditional models of health such as the biomedical model are often inadequate. The value of a more holistic approach to patients' health problems has been long accepted by the medical profession. As health care becomes more fragmented we are overlooking the potential benefits of a generalist approach in improving the care of patients in our hospitals. This article examines the potential benefits of involving general practitioners in the tertiary care setting.