This book is established as an essential source of reference for all those working in the community health care domain. It addresses some of the main issues for the introduction and implementation of a sound infrastructure for community health care nursing delivery. These ideas may be taken and adapted to suit local requirements.

Government investment in the design of a new infrastructure to support primary care and public health initiatives has required a review of the education and practice base of community health care nursing. This new edition has been updated throughout with the help of two new co-editors. There is now additional information on school nursing, interprofessional collaboration, nurse prescribing and scope of practice. It takes account of the challenges involved with the implementation of clinical governance, clinical excellence, evidence-based practice and the necessity of systematically measuring the quality of service delivery.

Contributors to this text have been selected for their own knowledge, experience and excellence in service delivery. Many who have realised the introduction of excellence in their localities will recognise common elements that relate to their own experience as they read this book.

Community Health Care Nursing provides an excellent example of the application of knowledge and theory to community health care nursing practice. It will be of use to practitioners, curriculum planners, educationalists and students alike.