The editors' intention in the production of this book was to provide a realistic picture of the present state of nursing. This has been presented from a number of different but inter-linked perspectives. The decades since the inception of the National Health Service have been ones of significant change, both in society at large and in the field of health care. The period has witnessed political, economic, social, scientific and technological change taking place ever more rapidly; whilst, in terms of health care, demand and expectations continue to increase apace. Nursing, throughout the...