Innovation in European healthcare – what can Sweden learn? - LIF

NHS-funded primary care is provided in various ways –
with GP’s as the primary point of contact
• The first point of contact for general medical needs is usually self-employed GPs and
their practices, typically entering into contractual engagements with PCTs, although GPs
may also be employed directly by alternative providers (e.g. commercial sector).
• Community health services, NHS Direct, NHS walk-in centres, dentists, opticians and
pharmacists are part of NHS primary care services. The primary care system also plays a
gatekeeping role in determining access to more specialized, often hospital-based, acute
health care services.
• A small private sector exists alongside the NHS, funded through private insurance, direct
payments from patients, or publicly funded payments by PCT.
• In addition to secondary care, a range of more specialized tertiary services are also
provided by NHS trusts and deal with more complex or rare conditions.
• Social care is the statutory responsibility of 152 councils with adult social services
responsibilities (known as CASSRs).
• The mental health care system is a mix of primary care and community-based services
supported by specialist inpatient care.
135