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146 Community Care for Health Professionals by Ann Comptonand Mary Ashwin. Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford, 1992 (ISBN 0 7506 0185 X). 330 pages. f 19.95. If you hope to be spoon-fed with information on how to work in the community, then this is not the book for you. Arising out of the CSP validated diploma course in community physio- therapy (organised by the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in the Com- munity and held at Southampton Institute of Higher Education) this book challenges the readers to be active participants both in learning new skills and building on their existing experience. Directed at all health professionals, the bias in this book towards comm- unity physiotherapy cannot be ignored. Although only one of the eight contri- butors is a physiotherapist, the remainder have all been tutors to the diploma course and have therefore experienced much critical bombardment from the com- munity physiotherapists who attended the course between 1986 and 1992. Chapter 1 looks at the origins of caring in the ‘community’ and highlights the problems of definition of this often inappropriately used word. Do not be put off by the first of the many practical exercises in the book (memories of old examination papers?) as these are varied and most constructive. They should quickly encourage readers to involve other colleagues in exercises designed to widen knowledge and develop the skills necessary for working effectively in a community setting. Part 1: ‘Essential knowledge base’ aims to give the reader the information needed to practise in a safe, sensitive and Neuroanatomy: Basic and clinical by M J T Fitzgerald IUD PhD DSc MRIA. W B Saunders. Bailliere Tindall(2ndedn) 1992(ISBN 0 7u20 1432 X). Illus. 252 pages. f16.95. This text aims to enable undergraduate medical students to explain the clinical consequences of lesions at different levels of the nervous system. It contains 26 chapters starting with embryology, then progressing in a logical sequence from the peripheral to the central nervous system. Chapter 6 focuses on the general features of peripheral nerves; the ascending and descending pathways of the spinal cord are discussed in separate chapters (11 and 12) at a later stage. This allows easy access for review purposes. Chapter 28 on the reticular formation presents an overview of the activities in which the reticular formation participates including, among others, bladder control and sensory modulation. Chapter 23 refers to the functions of the cerebral cortex. The concept of plasticity is briefly discussed; the author also introduces the idea of the modular organisation of language as well as the more traditional approach of describing the areas of the cortex involved in language. Each chapter contains a summary box which enables the reader to judge the contents at a glance. Clinical panel boxes attempt to convince the reader of the importance of understanding neuro- anatomy for the diagnosis of clinical lesions. This is not wholly successful, as at times the content of the boxes is very descriptive (see page 35 on extradural/ subdural haematoma). Some chapters contain problem-solving exercises, an excellent idea, but it would be more useful to include the answers at the end of the book rather than referring the reader back to the text. At times the layout could be better organised with the diagrams corresponding to the text on the same or opposite page rather than the next page. This is particularly important for some chapters where the text is condensed and detailed (chapter 4). This book contains excellent illustrative diagrams which differ from the norm found in many texts. It is extremely readable and presents the material in an interesting manner, an added bonus for any textbook on neuroanatomy! The author acknowledges that this edition has been simplified to target undergraduates rather than registrars in neurology. It has also been shortened by removing the material of little clinical relevance. Although the material is accessible for undergraduate physiotherapists, it would be more relevant to postgraduate therapists with a working knowledge of the material for teaching or review purposes. I would highly recommend this text as a useful reference addition to any physiotherapy department or library. However, there are alternative texts, which combine neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, for undergraduate physiotherapists. Sheila Lennon MSc BSc MCSP intelligent way. Dealing with topics such as social policy and provision, sociology, psychology and legal issues, a great deal of ground is covered without getting too bogged down in analytical theory. The writing is clear and concise and every opportunity is taken to relate theory to practice. Chapter 5 illustrates this particularly well when discussing coping with disability, grieving, and sexuality. Part 2: ‘Essential skills base’ deals with areas of practice common to all health professionals, but where skills develop- ment is crucial. This section emphasises the importance of interaction between people, either as individuals, families or groups. It encourages a well-planned and organised approach to working. Throughout this book the reader is not only introduced to relevant theory but persistently encouraged to think and act. With the present rapid expansion of commununity services offered by health professionals, it is essential reading for departments and individuals working in this field. The comprehensive chapter-by chapter bibliography will give ample opportunity for further detailed study for those who feel such a moderate volume can only skim the surface of such an enormous subject. Jackie Herbert MCSP NHS Information and Guidance This is a selectionof circularsand bulletins issued by the Health Departments and the NHS Management Executive. They should be available for information in health authority offices. NHS Management Executive Health Service Guide Lines 1992 36. The Patient’s Charter: Monitoring and publishing information on performance 41. Towards smoke-free NHS premises 42. Health services for people with learning disabilities (mental handicap) 47. The pay and conditions of service for general and senior managers 48. Voluntary hospital fire brigade duties: Payment of allowance 49. Local authority contractsfor residential and nursing home care: NHS related aspects 1993: 5. Standards of business conduct for NHS staff Safety Action Bulletins No 87, September 7992 46 Safety awareness and inappropriateuse of wheelchairs 47. Remploy Ltd Model 9L and 9LJ wheel- chairs: Security of cross brace pivot bolts 48. Liberator battery chargers (model BCPs12 MLQ): Product recall No 90, December 7992 61. Bradshaw electric vehicle: Brake failure The ‘stamp and stick’ gait of sensory ataxia. Diagram from ‘Neuroanatomy: Basic and clinical’ vehicles No 97, January 1993 2. Safety of wheelchair passengers in Physiotherapy, February 1993, vol79, no 2
