'A home-body' or 'antrums to Alkeran'.

This case sharpened my ideas on the comprehensive management of hypertension, and the variety of approaches possible for certain benign, minor complaints that still required sensitive handling. It tested my ability to remain objective and investigative when the need arises, especially when there is a risk of complacency when seeing a patient regularly over several years. It illustrates the role of the general practitioner in the team that enables old folk to stay on at home; it illustrates the role of our specialist colleagues in enhancing our comprehensive primary care functions. And I am constantly reminded of the major challenges for the primary care physician in the decade ahead in the provision of health care for the elderly.