Introduction

This book tells the story of the primary care trust (PCT) that, over the period 20022005, became the main local public health, funding and commissioning body within the NHS in England. As its name suggests, the PCT has its roots in primary care, being responsible for the planning, delivery and quality assurance of primary care and community health services, and seeking to involve primary care professionals closely in its health improvement, decision-making, resource allocation, and service management activities.