NHS Hospital Trusts
These 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
These 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
These provide emergency access to health care. They attend emergency calls and transport patients to and from hospital for routine appointments.
NHS East of England
This 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.
Health Call Optical and Hearing Services
The UK's largest provider of home sight tests and home hearing tests, which can help to improve your quality of life. You can request a free examination online, and check the eligibility criteria which is also available online. Also visit their latest campaign, please help us prevent falls and improve quality of life in 2009.
SANE Line
A national out-of-hours telephone helpline offering emotional support and information for anyone affected by mental health problems. SANEmail has been launched which is a new email support service providing vital online support to people who may find talking about their mental health problems difficult, or who perhaps can't use the phone because of a disability.
Depression Alliance
They work to relieve and to prevent this treatable condition by providing information and support services to those who are affected by it via our publications, supporter services and network of self-help groups for people affected by depression. Informed by the experiences of people with depression and by research, they work extensively with government agencies and healthcare professionals to improve the service provision for those affected by depression.
Manic Depression Fellowship
The BiPolar Organisation works to enable people affected by bipolar disorder / manic depression to take control of their lives. Online you can find out all about the benefits of being a member of the organisation as well as accessing details for the various services.
Independent Complaints Advocacy Service
POhWER services are free, independent and confidential, and can help if you want someone to help you speak up for yourself. They can help if you feel you have not had the service you expect from the National Health Service and want to complain.
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
