Understanding your local NHS Hospital Trusts: Where to go and what they do
When you or a loved one needs healthcare, it can be reassuring to know what support is available locally. Across North Yorkshire and nearby regions, several NHS Trusts work together to deliver care when you need it most – whether that’s in a hospital, at home, or through urgent or emergency services.
This guide explains what NHS Trusts are, what types exist, and how services like A&E and urgent treatment centres are delivered. Knowing who provides your local care can help you make more informed choices and access support more easily.
What are NHS Trusts?
NHS Trusts are organisations that provide healthcare services. Some focus on general hospital care (like surgery, maternity and emergency care), while others specialise in mental health, community health, or ambulance services.
Some are also known as Foundation Trusts – these operate with more independence from central government, allowing them to shape services to better meet local needs. They are still part of the NHS and held to the same national standards.
What about A&E and urgent treatment centres?
Many NHS hospital trusts run accident and emergency (A&E) departments or urgent treatment centres. These services are part of the hospital and are there to support you when you need care quickly – whether it’s a life-threatening emergency or a less serious illness or injury.
- A&E is for serious emergencies such as chest pain, severe bleeding, or breathing difficulties.
- Urgent treatment centres treat minor injuries or illnesses and are often open 7 days a week. You don’t always need an appointment.
If you're unsure where to go, call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.
NHS Trusts people use in North Yorkshire
You have the right to choose where you go for most elective care (such as planned operations or specialist appointments). This means you can often be referred to a hospital of your choice, not just the nearest one. Speak to your GP about your options, and check what each trust offers to make the best choice for your needs.
Below is a summary of the NHS Trusts providing hospital and community care across North Yorkshire and nearby areas.
Airedale NHS Foundation Trust
Based at Airedale General Hospital, this Trust provides acute and community services to over 200,000 people in West and North Yorkshire, and parts of East Lancashire. The hospital has an emergency department and offers care for cancer, maternity, and older people.
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Serving around 550,000 people, this Trust runs Bradford Royal Infirmary (with an A&E department) and St Luke’s Hospital. It offers a wide range of services, including specialist children’s care and a pioneering hospital command centre.
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust
Operating Harrogate District Hospital and several community services, this Trust is known for short waiting times and high patient satisfaction. Harrogate has an Urgent Treatment Centre instead of a full A&E department.
Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
Specialising in mental health, learning disabilities, and community services, this Trust supports people in Hull, East Yorkshire, and North Yorkshire. It also runs Whitby Community Hospital, offering local services including urgent care and outpatient clinics.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
One of the biggest NHS Trusts in the UK, it includes Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s University Hospital. Both provide emergency care and a wide range of specialist services, from cancer treatment to organ transplants.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
This Trust runs the University Hospital of North Tees (with an A&E) and Hartlepool hospital. Services include emergency care, planned surgery, and community nursing.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Responsible for James Cook University Hospital (which has a major trauma centre and A&E) and Friarage Hospital in Northallerton (with a 24/7 Urgent Treatment Centre). The Trust serves over 1.5 million people.
York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
This Trust runs York Hospital and Scarborough Hospital – both with emergency departments. It also oversees other community hospitals in Bridlington, Malton, and Selby.
University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust
Covering South Cumbria and North Lancashire, this Trust includes Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Furness General Hospital, and Westmorland General Hospital. Each site provides different services – check their website for local options.
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
A specialist trust providing mental health, learning disability, and eating disorder services across most of North Yorkshire, County Durham, Teesside, York and Selby. It operates hospitals like Roseberry Park and West Park, but these focus on mental health care rather than general medical services.
Please note: This is not a general hospital trust and does not provide A&E or surgical services.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
This trust isn't a hospital provider, but it's vital to urgent and emergency care. Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust covers nearly 6,000 square miles, from isolated dales and moorland to urban centres and coastlines. It serves over five million people across Yorkshire and the Humber. Whether responding to 999 calls or helping patients get to and from hospital appointments, the trust aims to get people the right care, as quickly as possible, wherever they live.
How can I find out more?
Every NHS Trust has its own website with details about services, waiting times, visiting hours, and how to get referred. If you’re unsure where to go, call NHS 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk for advice.
This isn't a complete list. To find another hospital, visit the NHS website:
You can also contact Healthwatch North Yorkshire if you need help understanding local services or want to share your experience. We’re here to help make sure your voice is heard.
