NHS Operating Framework 2008/09
The Department of Health has published its Operating Framework for 2008/09 which sets out the priorities for the NHS in England during the next year.
In this year’s Operating Framework, there are five priority areas for primary care trusts (PCTs), working with providers and their local partners, to focus on. These include improving cleanliness and reducing health care associated infections; making it easier to access GP services at evenings and weekends; reducing waiting times through meeting the 18-week referral to treatment target; keeping adults and children well and reducing health inequalities; and improving patient experience and staff satisfaction.
The Operating Framework also details the funding that will go directly to PCTs in England next year. They will receive £74.2 billion – an increase of nearly £4 billion since 2007/08.
Read the King's Fund response to the NHS Operating Framework 2008/09