This paper describes a selected aspect of a research project concerned with 'contracts and competition' in the recently reformed National Health Service. The particular feature highlighted in this paper is the central role played by the general practitioners in the health service as principal sources of the demands made on provider units (particularly hospitals) and, hence, critical determinants of volumes and costs in contracting. A practical outcome of the research has been the development of GP monitoring systems to be used by provider units particularly in the context of marketing-led referral expectations. The approach used to highlight areas of potential GP contract management and monitoring improvements has been a development of soft systems methodology.