PCT provider arm
The top provider side PCT is NHS South of Tyne and Wear, which was formed from several local PCTs before splitting into provider and commissioning sides. It’s a leading edge organisation that works hard to provide care to vulnerable people in their own homes.
That requires well trained staff who understand their own limitations. The organisation supports them through good training and development opportunities, and offers some great roles for frontline staff who want to push the boundaries.
Runners up in this category are Derbyshire Community Health Services and Portsmouth Community and Mental Health Services (now part of the Solent Healthcare merger with NHS Southampton’s provider arm).
Commissioner only PCT
The top commissioner side PCT is NHS Tees, which is marked by the amount it spends on personal and professional development for its staff – £1,000 a year per head.
It’s a small, friendly place to work with good relationships all the way up the organisation and an approachable chief executive. Staff at all levels get training and development opportunities, and it has been working hard at engaging them and explaining what the future holds.
Second is NHS Derbyshire County and third is NHS Doncaster.
Whole PCT
Best overall PCT – with a joint entry for both commissioner and provider sides – is NHS Stoke on Trent. “You are always encouraged to develop and innovate rather than just maintain,” says one employee, while others praise the proactive nature of the organisation, the changes it is making and the good relations between staff and management. “I feel as if my contribution is valued,” concludes another staff member.
Second is NHS Islington and third NHS Halton and St Helens.