Hull in print

Healthcare in Hull will enter a new phase from October, when the city's two existing Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) join together to form the new Hull Primary Care Trust.
Primary Care Trusts have various roles; to provide primary healthcare services, such as district nursing and health visiting for local people, and to buy or 'commission' other health services, such as mental health and hospital care, on behalf of local residents. PCTs also take the lead on improving public health, and work closely with other health professionals to ensure a range of GP services, dental, optical and pharmacy services are available.
The decision to bring the Eastern and West Hull PCTs together follows extensive public consultation at the beginning of this year. The idea is to make savings on things like management and administration costs, which can then be reinvested in local health services. Changes aren't just happening in Hull, though – they are also going on in the East Riding and, indeed, across the whole of the country.
The Hull PCT will be led by its new Chief Executive, Christopher Long, and chaired by Kath Lavery, both of whom have a wealth of primary care and NHS experience.
The work of the new organisation will be split into three distinct areas: East, West and North Hull, covering the same areas as the local MP constituencies. Working in these 'localities' will help the PCT to better understand local health needs and priorities in a particular area, and ensure that the right levels and types of service are available to meet those needs.
Bringing the two local PCTs together will release around £1.1 million, which will, in turn, be reinvested into cancer care services.
Chair of the PCT, Kath Lavery, says:
"Patient care will not be affected by this reorganisation; the changes taking place are purely in relation to management and administration, so patients will still be able to see their GP or receive their visit from the district nurse just as before.
"In fact, given time, we hope to be able to make services even better for the people of Hull, by better understanding health needs in particular areas, and working more closely with other agencies to make using services and getting treatment as quick and as easy as possible.
"The new Hull Primary Care Trust will face some real challenges over the coming months and years, but we are committed to improving the health and well-being of all the city's residents and so we are ready to take on those challenges."

World Mental Health Day takes place on October 10th. Did you know…?

Mental health problems are common and affect one in six adults at any one time. These include: depression, anxiety and phobias, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and dementia
People with mental health problems have the highest rate of unemployment among people with disabilities
More of us will die this year from suicide than from road accidents

We all have mental health needs - this is nothing to be embarrassed about or ashamed of. In order to keep your mind and body active, the Primary Care Trust has two week-long passes for the JJB Fitness Club (Mount Retail Park) and two 3-visit family passes for the David Lloyd Fitness & Leisure Club (Kingswood) to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, just send your answer to the following question to Vicky Fryer, Hull Primary Care Trust, Netherhall, Wawne Road, Sutton, HU7 4BR by 31st October 2006. Winners will be drawn at random and notified by post. Good luck!

Question: On what date does World Mental Health Day take place?

How to get in touch

Hull Primary Care Trust

AREAS TO THE WEST OF THE CITY
(01482) 303500

AREAS TO THE EAST OF THE CITY
(01482) 335400


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