Highly specialised services are a specific group within the wider category of specialised services provided by the NHS in England. Out of roughly 150 specialised services, around 80 are classed as highly specialised due to their exceptional complexity and rarity. These services cater to patients with very uncommon or severe conditions that require the highest levels of clinical expertise, advanced technology, and coordinated national planning.
Unlike general healthcare services, highly specialised services are delivered in only a few expert centres across the country (typically no more than three) which are formally designated and commissioned by NHS England. This concentration of expertise ensures that patients receive the best possible care from clinicians with extensive experience in managing rare conditions.
These services usually serve fewer than 500 individuals nationwide. They are also clearly defined in clinical terms, meaning each service focuses on a distinct medical area or set of treatments. National coordination allows for consistent standards of care, shared expertise, and equitable access for patients regardless of where they live, ensuring that even those with the rarest and most complex health needs receive high-quality, specialist support.
Learn more about highly specialised services HERE. Cick on the cards below to learn more about the services across Manchester: