There are three main organisations providing National Health Services in Leeds for our population of over 725,000 people. Leeds Primary Care Trust has the overall responsibility for ensuring that the people of Leeds have access to the health care which they need.
There are two main provider NHS Trusts in Leeds: Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust runs the majority of acute hospital services in Leeds and is also a regional treatment centre; and Leeds Mental Health Trust which is in the process of becoming an NHS Foundation Trust.
Details of all these organisations can be accessed through the Leeds NHS portal (see right). Ambulance Services are provided by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service which was created in July 2006 following the merger of services for different parts of Yorkshire.
Leeds Primary Care Trust
Following a national consultation in 2005 the government announced major changes for Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to further review and improve health services in the community, save on management costs and channel more funding to the front line.
As a result, and following further local consultation, Leeds Primary Care Trust (PCT) was created on 1 October 2006, with the merger of Leeds North West, Leeds West, Leeds North East, East Leeds and South Leeds PCTs.
The PCT is responsible for ensuring that the people of Leeds have access to the health services they need, along with directly providing a wide range of community-based services across the city.
In addition to directly providing care for local people, the Trust works closely with GP practices, pharmacists, optometrists, dentists, hospital trusts, social services, mental health services and community and voluntary organisations to commission and fund the healthcare they provide to people in Leeds.
Leeds PCT also undertakes a broad range of public health initiatives to improve the health and quality of life for local people.
You can contact Leeds Primary Care Trust direct (details below) or use the weblinks on the right to find out more.
Leeds Primary Care Trust PCT staff currently work from several sites across the city and from a number of health centres and clinics. The main site where the Chief Executive, Chris Outram, Chair, Martin Drury and Executive Directors are based is:
North West House, West Park Ring Road, Leeds LS16 6QG
Tel: 0113 305 7370
If you need a service
You can use the NHS Direct website to search for doctors, dentists, hospitals and pharmacies in your local area. The website includes maps and directions of how to find each service by road or by public transport.
Leeds has two accident and emergency departments, based at Leeds General Infirmary on Great George Street, LS1 3EX and St James' Hospital on Beckett Street, LS9 7TF. NHS Direct has maps, directions and detailed information on both these hospitals as well as other non-emergency hospitals in Leeds.
Minor injuries units
St George's one-stop centre, St George's Road, Middleton, South Leeds, LS10 4UZ. The centre is open from 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday and can be contacted on 0113 392 9800.
Wharfedale Hospital, Newall Carr Road, Otley, Leeds LS21 2LY. The centre is open 7 days from 08:00 to 23:00 and can be contacted on 0113 392 1647 or 0113 392 1648
You can visit the units for treatment of cuts, sprains and skin complaints and they even deal with broken bones and minor head injuries
NHS drop-in centre
There is a NHS drop-in centre on the Headrow, in The Light, tel 0870 818 0003. There is a GP on site as well as a physiotherapist and experienced nurses. No appointment is necessary and it's open from 7am to 7pm. Visitors do not need to be registered with a GP.
The drop in centre can treat minor illnesses and injuries, headaches, colds and flu, skin complaints and muscle and joint injuries.
They will also provide information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and local healthcare services.
If you aren't sure whether your condition can be treated in a minor injuries unit or at the drop in centre contact NHS Direct for advice on 0845 46 47 or visit their website. NHS Direct also provides advice on common health problems, self-help guides, and comprehensive information about illnesses, operations, tests and treatments.
Leeds Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Leeds PALS offers free, confidential advice on national healthcare services and any concerns you have about standards of service offered to you as a patient, carer or relative. You can contact PALS by telephone free on 0800 052 5270 (mobile calls may be charged).