National Priorities

(National Standards, Local Action - Health and Social Care Standards and Planning Framework 2005/06 - 2007/08)

The National Priorities for the three financial years 2005/06 - 2007/08 for the NHS are based on the Department of Health's Public Service Agreement (PSA).

1. Health and well-being of the population

• Health care promotion and ill health prevention and to substantially reduce mortality rates by 2010 (including from heart disease)

2. Long term conditions

• To improve outcomes by offering a personalised care plan for vulnerable people most at risk; and to reduce emergency bed days, through improved care in community settings
• Research evidence indicates that a targeted approach and more effective management in the community can prevent inappropriate admissions, cut lengths of stay in hospital, and improve patient experiences and outcomes

3. Access to services

• To ensure that by 2008 no one waits more than 18 weeks from GP referral to hospital treatment (includes diagnostic procedures)
• Independent sector providers will increase their contribution to the care of NHS patients with an increasing number of diagnostic procedures by 2008

4. Patient / user experience

• Secure improvements in NHS patient experience by 2008, ensuring that individuals are fully involved in decisions about health care, including choice of provider