Definitions for "NHS trusts"
set up to deliver NHS healthcare - the term can relate to organisations providing primary, secondary or community care.
Organisations which provide NHS care, either in hospitals or the community.
Hospital trusts are found in most large towns and cities, and usually offer a general range of services to meet most people's needs. Some trusts also act as regional or national centres of expertise for more specialised care, while some are attached to universities and help to train health professionals. Trusts can also provide services in the community - for example through health centres, clinics or in people's homes. Except in the case of emergencies, hospital treatment is arranged through your GP. This is called a referral. Appointments and treatment are free. Together, NHS trusts employ the majority of the NHS workforce including nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, midwives, health visitors and staff from the professions allied to medicine, such as physiotherapists, radiographers, podiatrists, speech and language therapists, counsellors, occupational therapists and psychologists. Their many other staff include receptionists, porters, cleaners, IT specialists, managers, engineers, caterers, and domestic and security staff.