Overview of main policy drivers shaping the local health economy

National drivers	Details	Web links
NHS and social services priorities for 2005-2008 based on the DH's public service agreement.	PSA priority One: Improve the health and wellbeing of the population; reduce health inequalities. PSA priority two: Support people with long-term conditions. PSA priority three: Access to services. Delivering a maximum wait from GP referral to hospital treatment of 18 weeks by the end of 2008, reduce hospital admissions and increase patient choice in healthcare providers. PSA priority four: Improve patient and user experience of care.	HM Treasury Spending review: New public spending plans 2005-2008 Technical Note for the Spending Review 2004: Public Service Agreement 2005-2008
DH has identified six national targets for priority for 2006/2007.	Tackling health inequalities, shorter waits for cancer services, 18-week maximum waits from GP referral to hospital treatment by 2008, MRSA, patient choice and booking and sexual health.	The NHS in England: The Operating Framework for 2006-2007
Commissioning framework July 2006 Phase one acute and hospital services setting.	Extension of practice-based commissioning Extension of patient choice Introduction of petitions Payment by Results and unbundling care pathways. Also see Commissioning a patient led NHS, 2005 'Creating a Patient-led NHS' in March 2005	Commissioning Framework The Commissioning Annex Commissioning a patient led NHS 2005
Our health, our care, our say: A new direction for community services, White Paper 2006	Greater focus on prevention with earlier intervention Promotes health and wellbeing Care in more local settings More support for people with long-term conditions	Our Health, Our Care, Our Say
White Paper Choosing Health: making healthy choices easier Health Challenge England - next steps for Choosing Health, 2006	To tackle inequalities in health To engage people in looking after their own health. The next steps sets out how the DH has been developing this new approach to public health It is aimed at policy makers across the public, business, voluntary and community sectors.	Choosing Health: making healthier choices easier Health Challenge England
NSF for long-term conditions, 2005	Aims to improve the lives of the many people who live with neurological and other long term conditions by providing them with better health and social care services.	NSF for long term conditions
NSF for older people, 2001	It sets new national standards and service models of care across health and social services for all older people whether they live at home, in residential care or are being cared for in hospital.	NSF for older people
NSF for children, 2004	Sets standards for children's health and social services, and the interface of those services with education.	NSF for children

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