An assessment of the National Health Service which looks at the current problems of hospital and ward closures, shortage of staff and increased prescription and dental charges which have arisen despite Mrs Thatcher's affirmation that the "National Health Service is safe" in the hands of her government. Cook also points to the statistics which have poured out of Whitehall telling us that more money has been spent and more patients treated than ever before. She suggests, however, that the health service should be more concerned with preventative medicine, better health education and that there should be more consumer participation in the decision-making processes. Judith Cook has long been involved with the Association of Community Health Councils. Her books include "The Price of Freedom", "Who Killed Hilda Murrell?" and "Red Alert: The Worldwide Dangers of Nuclear Power". She has been a journalist for over 20 years and specializes in investigative journalism, particularly on social and environmental issues.