The central argument for investing more heavily in general practice is therefore not sentimental. General practice is the point at which illness can be detected early, chronic disease can be managed continuously, and unnecessary hospital treatment can be avoided. A modern GP practice is not simply a doctor sitting behind a desk with a stethoscope and a prescription pad. Money spent in general practice is described as expenditure, while money spent treating the consequences of inadequate primary care is treated as unavoidable destiny. The Strategic Review of General Practice itself arises from commitments made in the context of Sláintecare and contractual reform.