PCTs are responsible for the planning and securing of health services and improving the health of the local population. The 303 PCTs in England have been given the funding to plan and commission health services for their local communities - a role previously carried out by health authorities. They control 75 per cent of the NHS budget and since April 2003, they have acted as the channel for disbursement of the central pooled drug treatment budget. PCTs account to the Healthcare Commission and strategic health authorities for the delivery of treatment through the NHS priorities and planning framework (PPF). Whereas all PCTs in the DAT area are responsible for the delivery of treatment, in many areas of the country there is more than one PCT in each DAT area. Where this is the case a lead PCT is identfied to hold funds and report progress on drug treatment on behalf of the others.
locally managed free-standing primary care NHS bodies, responsible for improving health, commissioning and providing primary and community services for local residents
Similar to PCGs, but with greater flexibility to employ staff, develop premises and share budgets with other organisations.
PCTs are the cornerstone of the NHS, responsible for the planning and securing of health services and improving the health of the local population. For example, PCTs must make sure there are enough GPs to provide for their population and that they are accessible to patients. PCTs must also ensure the provision of other health services including hospitals, dentists, mental health care, Walk-In Centres, NHS Direct, patient transport (including accident and emergency), population screening, pharmacies and opticians. In addition, they are responsible for integrating health and social care so the two systems work together for patients. The 303 PCTs in England will be given the funding to plan and commission health services for their local communities - a role previously carried out by health authorities. Eventually they will control 75% of the NHS budget. It also means that decisions about local services are made at a local level by those best placed to make them.
are freestanding NHS bodies responsible for providing health services and improving health within their area. PCTs have taken on many of the responsibilities of planning and purchasing health services from Avon Health Authority. Primary Care Trusts can also provide services themselves. The PCTs are run by Boards.
formerly Primary Care Groups they are free-standing, legally established bodies, able to act as both commissioners and providers of services. They aim to play a key role in developing fast, modern and convenient health services for patients. PCTs are able to: · provide more use of convenient day surgery in health centres; · provide walk-in health centres on the high street; · offer seamless health care, with treatment, advice, physiotherapy and chiropody on the same site; · develop wider health partnerships with GPs teaming up with dentists, opticians and pharmacists, providing an integrated health package; · provide top-quality health checks and advice sessions; · shape hospital and community services for patients in their area; · investing in improving primary and community services; · identifying where services most need developing by giving patients better access to health care; · bring decision-making closer to patients .
organisations with responsibilities for improving the health of the community, developing primary and community health services and commissioning secondary care services.
Free-standing statutory bodies responsible for delivering better health care and health improvements to their local area. Directly provide a range of community health services, such as GPs, and can commission services from hospital trusts. Have their own budgets and set their own priorities. However, much of their agenda is determined by directives from the Strategic Health Authority or the Department of Health.
Free-standing statutory NHS bodies with responsibility for delivering health care and health improvements to their local areas. They commission or directly provide a range of community health services as part of their functions.
organisations responsible for the healthcare of a local area. Primary care is the treatment you first receive when you have a health problem, such as from a GP or a dentist.
a body with its own health care budget, established with the purpose of providing or arranging for the provision of health care within its particular area. There are more than 300 PCTs in England and Wales.
