Book excerpt: Health care needs assessment provides information to plan, negotiate and change services for the better, and to improve health in other ways. The first edition of this series established itself as a key source on health care needs for specific conditions supported by the Department of Health. Now in its second edition it provides vital updates taking into account how health care has moved on and how the structure of the UK's health service has changed. Each of the chapters follows the same structure; each analysing its topic, reviewing the incidence and prevalence, the range of services available, and the effectiveness of those services. It describes the central role and aim of health care needs assessment in the NHS health care reforms and explains the 'epidemiological approach' to needs assessment and its effectiveness. Volume 1 includes diabetes mellitus, renal disease, stroke, lower respiratory disease, coronary heart disease, colorectal cancer, cancer of the lung, osteoarthritis affecting the hip and knee, cataract surgery and groin hernia. Volume 2 includes varicose veins and venous ulcers, benign prostatic hyperplasia, severe mental illness, Alzheimer's disease, alcohol misuse, drug misuse, learning disabilities, community child health services and contraception, induced abortion and fertility services. All health professionals, including policy makers and shapers and those assessing quality of service will find this book an essential resource.