The long-term strategic plan for the National Health Service in Wales, due to be published later this year, will emphasise that health services and social care in Wales should be thought of as a whole system and planned so as to minimise barriers between services, according to Ms Jane Hutt (Health and Social Services Secretary, National Assembly for Wales).
The main areas to be covered by the strategy, which has been under development for over a year, are the work of local health groups, the role of NHS Direct and health care professionals in primary care, extending seven-day working, and investment in buildings and equipment.
In a letter to senior health service managers in Wales, Ms Hutt said that the strategy would be "the main driver for change in Wales over a longer time-span than the [national plan for the NHS in England]" and that its "whole system approach" would allow the development of services in a "radical but considered way".
Commenting on the plan for England, Ms Hutt said that it was based on principles which were shared in Wales. Much of what it had outlined was being put into practice in Wales, as she had detailed in a statement to the Assembly on July 12. Because the NHS in Wales was smaller than that in England, it would have its own "robust performance management systems" rather than pursuing some of the English initiatives. There would be discussions with officials at the Department of Health to clarify aspects of the plan, such as workforce and contractual issues, which would have a direct effect on Wales.

"A healthier future for Wales" is available on the internet at www.wales.gov.uk/polinifo/health/health_e.htm.

Jane Hutt: radical, but considered, development of the NHS in Wales