Herefordshire PCT's aims for the future

5:54pm Wednesday 16th July 2008

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IT was gratifying to read the Hereford Times’ tribute last week to the hard work of everyone who contributes so much to the success of our local NHS.

All over the UK, people are taking stock of what has been achieved since the NHS was born 60 years ago. Our local celebrations at Ross demonstrated the tremendous commitment of a wide and diverse range of staff, many of whom have given more than 30 years service to the NHS. It is the underlying dedication of our staff that forms the bedrock of the success of the NHS.

As leaders of health in Herefordshire, the Primary Care Trust is committed to helping people stay healthier for longer. To achieve this we need to plan sustainable and quality services for the future. In recent weeks, we have read that Herefordshire people enjoy better than average health, that our GPs are among the best in the West Midlands, and that we have agreement following extensive consultation with GPs, for a local solution for GP-led health services, which will provide access for patients between 8am and 8pm every day of the year.

Certainly, the celebration of 60 years of the NHS has brought home to people the radical improvement we have seen in terms of access to healthcare and consequently, better health for everyone.

The emphasis now for the Primary Care Trust is not only to achieve in the near future a further step change in health outcomes for local people, but a marked improvement too in their experience of how health and care services are provided.