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Abstract
The purchaser provider split and the introduction of GP fundholding has meant that GPs are now key players in determining the type of adult mental health services which are delivered. This paper describes the results of a recent survey of GPs' views and their use of adult mental health services. The survey was conducted in 100 fundholding practices and the same number of non-fundholding practices in 1994. Over one-quarter of the fundholding GPs had tried to make changes in out-patient provision and had used their purchasing power either to develop 'in house' psychiatric services or to reduce the number of consultants responsible for their patients. The results also indicate the large increase over the last few years in the number of mental health professionals based in general practice. This increase was particularly marked in fundholding practices. The implications for the delivery of mental health services are discussed.