Whether you are aware or not, your local area has a Primary Care Trust. They are responsible for the provision of GP's, dentists, dieticians, chiropodists, school nurses, etc. They are not the same as Hospital Trusts. PCT's are also responsible for getting information out to the public about care/health services and liasing with Social Services and other agencies.
Two years ago Bournemouth and Poole merged into one Trust, losing half the staff and trying to work with two untary authorities with separate funds and amenities.
This is the logic of the NHS. Tack together, add on, ignore the hole, cut the budget and improve targets. So Canford House was built; purpose built offices for the new Trust at a cost of £???? when services are thin on the ground and staff morale is shaken.
At the same time, my job was commissioned out to a private company, so on principle I transferred to Dorset NHS.
In short then, a Primary Care Trus holds the purse strings for health provision in your area but is anxious to commission out. Eventually they will become administrative only, but continue to eat sumptious food at your expense. read more
