PCTs (Primary Care Trusts) are a vital part of the NHS, receiving the vast majority of national healthcare funding from the government. PCTs then determine which health services the local community needs and how best to provide them. These services include:
•GPs
•Dentists
•Pharmacists
•Opticians
•Hospital care
•Community care (for example, physiotherapy)
Primary Care Trusts are also responsible for ensuring the quality of care and for working with the local authority to make sure all the community needs are met.
The Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust employs approximately 3,000 staff, is committed to personal development and has strong links with Southampton and Bournemouth Universities. In addition to the central hospital site of St Mary’s, Newport, there are a variety of health clinics and community bases across the Island from which many of the Trust’s services are delivered.