19/03/2004

Smith sets out Health plan

Health Minister Angela Smith has called on hospital waiting times to be cut as part of her priorities for the Health Service (HPSS) over the next year.

'Priorities for Action 2004/05' sets out over 50 individual policies which the Minister says she wants implemented over the next year. These include the cutting of waiting times, more community support for vulnerable people, and more accessible primary care services.

She continued: “I also want to see continued progress on delivery of the Investing for Health Strategy, which is addressing some of the most important determinants of ill-health in our society.

"To do that, we need to ensure that resources are appropriately focused on improving the overall status of health in local communities and reducing health inequalities.”

The Minister said the agenda set out in 'Priorities for Action' would provide the platform for monitoring the performance of the HPSS during the forthcoming year.

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