This conference was organised in conjunction with the North West Regional Association of Community Health Councils to discuss the proper role of the accident and emergency (A & E) service. Areas under discussion included the centralisation of A & E services in district general hospitals and the role of the GP in dealing with minor casualties; the need to provide adequate training in A & E departments and to build up the specialty and recruit consultants. Greater attention to accident prevention was called for and a need to educate the public in the proper use of A & E departments and in first aid, so that they can provide immediate care.