NHS East of England
is the regional headquarters of the NHS, and provides strategic leadership to all NHS organisations across six counties. It is ultimately accountable to the Secretary of State for Health. It is also responsible for ensuring that the £7.1 billion spent on health care in the region delivers the best services and value for money for both patients and the taxpayer.
Its mission is to:
Deliver a better patient experience.
Improve people's health.
Reduce unfairness in health.
NHS Hospital Trusts provide acute hospital based services. They make sure that hospitals provide high quality care and that they spend their money efficiently. They also decide on a strategy for how hospitals will develop and improve services. Some of those listed have achieved Foundation Trust status which means they are run locally and not by the Government.
Primary Care Trusts are responsible for managing health services in your local area and are responsible for the majority of the NHS budget. They make sure all health services are provided, including hospitals, dentists, opticians, mental health services, NHS Direct, patient transport, population screening, pharmacies and opticians.
Ambulance trusts provide emergency access to health care. They attend emergency calls and transport patients to and from hospital for routine appointments.
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) has been introduced to ensure that the NHS listens to patients, their relatives, carers and friends, and answers their questions and resolves their concerns as quickly as possible
Essex health organisations have agreed to the Essex Trust Charter which provides a framework for secure information-sharing to give those who use electronic public services confidence that their personal information will be handled responsibly.
To find information about local health services and support groups use the Search Box , or use the Online Services and Links to go direct to health organisation websites