Published: Thursday, 3rd July, 2008 11:29am

Ten-year health plan launched

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HEALTH chiefs today launched a 10-year plan for services in Reading.

The plan to improve the NHS across the whole South Central region was unveiled by health minister Lord Darzi and Strategic Health Authority chief executive Jim Easton.

The report, ‘Towards a Healthier future', outlines 12 ambitions for improvements to services at eight key phases in patient's lives.

Lord Darzi said: "What's unique about this review is that it's local, it's clinically lead and it's evidence based.

"It's been done in partnership with the public, 10,000 people have contributed to this report and it's a statement of commitment to the NHS in the community and what patients want to see in the South central region."

Jim Easton said: "If you look at Reading, many of the things we've done so far have made a real difference, and we have an hospital trust which is among the best in the country with a great track record.

"I was a patient there recently and I could see with my own eyes the focus on cleanliness for example, but people are not yet prepared to say that the job is finished.

Lord Darzi added: "The health service has moved from being adequate, which is what it was in 2000, to what we would describe as good.

"Clinicians come to work to provide the best care, and this phase sees us moving from good to great. This report unblocks all the obstacles in allowing us to do that."

For a full report, see this Thursday's Reading Chronicle.

For more stories and your full round up of what's happening in Reading you can purchase the e-edition of the Reading Chronicle click here.