This paper explores the history of the concept of health environment in nursing discourse. The prompt to investigating the subject followed the national research and development (R&D) initiative set up through the Royal College of Nursing and the Centre for Policy in Nursing Research. Subsequent developments in national healthcare policy, particularly in relation to primary care-based commissioning and public health highlight the timeliness of such a debate. A conceptual framework for the health environment is suggested which is dynamic and practice-oriented. It is hoped that this will appeal both to academics and practitioners in order to build a base of research and practice around the health environment within and beyond the nursing professions.
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