Objectives for the improvement of healthcare have been set out for public consultation, the Department of Health has reported.
Our NHS care objectives: a draft mandate to the NHS Commissioning Board, sets out health secretary Andrew Lansley's expectations for the health service.
The mandate aims to mark a move to a more patient-centred, independent, transparent and outcomes-focused NHS.
Points include; setting care objectives that matter; ensuring patients receive high quality care; providing clear accountability and transparency around whether the Board is getting results; and setting out clear expectations for continued improvement.
Lansley said: "In the past there has been too much focus on systems and processes rather than people. For the first time the mandate will focus on holding the health service to account for results that make a difference to people.
"Objectives for improving care will be shaped by what the public needs and will be one of the most important ways the government can hold the new system to account."
The care objectives are set out in five domains; preventing premature deaths; supporting people with long-term conditions; helping recovery from ill health; ensuring a positive experience of care; and providing a clean, safe environment.
