The Department of Health has issued a booklet entitled 'Your Guide to the NHS', that details exactly what everyone can expect from the NHS both now and in the future. This guide is also available on audiocassette, in Braille and in a range of different languages.
To obtain your guide, you can:
- Call The Department of Health's Publication line on 08701 555455
- Write to PO Box 777, London SE1 6XH
Primary Care Trusts
Primary care trusts are the local NHS organisations responsible for primary and community health services. Primary care trusts will:
- Co-ordinate services from GP practices, NHS dentists, local pharmacies and opticians
- Provide community services such as district nursing, podiatry and physiotherapy
- Purchase the hospital and specialist health services that you may need
Your local primary care trust will ensure that:
- You have prompt access to a GP or practice nurse when you are unwell
- You can easily get information about your GP practice (eg opening hours, out of hours arrangements and how to book an appointment
- You have an annual health check from your GP practice if you are over 75 when you first register
- You are offered an annual flu vaccination if you are over 65, live in a residential nursing home, or if you suffer from a chronic health condition such as heart disease, diabetes or bronchitis
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Your local primary care trust - details and contact information (Word format 25kb)