About the Book:The Oxford Modern Britain series comprises introductory books on all aspects of the social structure of modern Britain. This volume has been developed for the large number of students studying the sociology of health and health care at an introductory level. It may also be read by nursing, medical students, and post-graduate public health students. Joan Busfield examines key issues affecting healthcare in contemporary Britain. These include: concepts and measures of health and illness; patterns of health and illness; changing health care provisions; explanations of health care systems; and a concluding analysis of current problems and prospects.About the Author: Joan Busfield is Professor of Sociology and Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Essex.