Trusts axe confusing 'primary care' name

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Ministers have decided the title is unhelpful to patients and are allowing regional bodies to use the snappier "NHS" name instead. The move prompted criticism that it was simply a costly rebranding exercise - the fourth since Labour came to power in 1997 - at public expense.

Kensington and Chelsea PCT is now Kensington and Chelsea NHS and Hammersmith and Fulham will switch names next month, followed by Westminster next year. It is expected other PCTs will do the same.

The change was given the green light after the publication of Lord Darzi's NHS review this year.

The term PCT means a health organisation responsible for managing local services.

Primary care is the first care patients receive, such as a visit to a doctor, dentist or optician. It is hoped the name change will persuade them to seek treatment at sites run by their local health body, such as GP surgeries, rather than in hospitals, operated by separate trusts.

In 2006, the rebranding of Norfolk PCT to NHS Norfolk cost £15,000 for new signs and stationery. If all London's 31 Primary Care Trusts carried out the same rebranding the cost could reach almost £500,000. Nationally it could be £2 million.

Stephen O'Brien, a shadow health minister, said: "Taxpayers' money should be spent on doctors, not spin doctors."