Primary Care Trusts are a new type of organisation within the National Health Service (NHS). Not quite the same as Health Authorities or NHS Trusts, they combine some of the roles of both these, with a particular emphasis on improving the health of the community they serve and reducing inequalities in health.

South Liverpool PCT was formed on 1st April 2002. The Trust serves a population of over 96,000; employs approximately 650 members of staff, has 19 GP practices and covers the whole of south Liverpool, including the wards of St Mary's, Speke, Netherley and Valley.

The establishment of Primary Care Trusts is part of the Government's plan to reform the NHS so that more influence and responsibility is given to local organisations, to frontline staff and to the public who use the services.

South Liverpool PCT has three principle roles:

• Improving the health of the people of south Liverpool
• Commissioning and providing health services
• Integrating health and social services locally

Because they cover relatively small areas, Primary Care Trusts are able to focus very much on local needs. The great strength of Primary Care Trusts is that they involve health care professionals from a local community at the very heart of decision-making.