Working In Partnership

The Primary Care Trust works in partnership with other organisations, groups and individuals to achieve its aims.

We work closely with our partners within the National Health Service including

• the Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust,
• the Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust,
• the North West Strategic Health Authority
• and neighbouring Trusts and PCTs.

One of our most important partners is the Bolton Council. We recognise that many council services such as housing, environmental health, leisure and education have a big impact on people's health and well being. The links with social care are especially important. We have several senior managers jointly appointed between the PCT and the Council, and we are working towards integrated health and social care services where appropriate.

We also recognise our role as an important player in the local economy, as a major employer and purchaser of goods and services.

The people who use our services are seen as partners in their own care. We aim to work with you to provide care and treatment which you understand and which has the best possible outcome for you. If you're unhappy at any stage, let us know.

The partnership between management and staff at the PCT is a vital one to make sure that services are delivered effectively and efficiently. We have established a range of consultation and communication systems with staff to make sure this partnership works well.

Who does what in health and social care in Bolton?

Bolton Primary Care Trust (also known as the PCT) is responsible for improving the health of the borough and reducing health inequalities, providing a range of community health services, co-ordinating and developing family health services such as GPs and dentists, and arranging for hospital and specialist services to be provided for Bolton people by NHS Trusts (for example the Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust) and other organisations.

Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust provides emergency and planned hospital care, including outpatient, inpatient and day case services and diagnostic tests.

Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital and community services for people with mental health needs.

The North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust provides Paramedic Emergency Services to respond to 999 calls, and non-emergency Patient Transport Services to convey patients for non urgent appointments.

NHS Direct provides a confidential telephone service 24 hours a day every day of the year. You can ring for nurse advice if you are feeling ill and are unsure what to do, or for health information on particular conditions such as diabetes and allergies. NHS Direct can also tell you where to find your nearest doctor, pharmacist, dentist or support group.
You can call NHS Direct at any time on 0845 4647. Calls are charged at the local rate. You can also use the web site at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk. NHS Direct's "self help guide" can be found in your Thomson Local directory"

Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council provides social care support for people and their carers assessed as in need. This includes children, older people and people with disabilities. The Council’s other departments, such as Environmental Health, Education and Housing also contribute to the health and well-being of the Borough.

Voluntary organisations also play a major role, and are important partners in health and social care in Bolton.