Book excerpt: Primary healthcare premises are increasingly becoming more sophisticated offering health promotion minor surgery and specialist services. The acquisition of new premises expansion or investment in traditional surgeries can be the greatest financial commitment and also one of the most daunting. This book is specifically written to enable development with minimal disruption to the daily medical routine. The book contains viewpoints of specialists with many years' experience gained from working in their individual fields. It is essential reading for GPs trainees practice managers and professional advisers to general practice. Specialist architects solicitors financial advisors accountants and health authority managers will also achieve a better understanding of this complex subject.