NEWS AND ANALYSIS

Blair unveils NHS blueprint
A "fundamental" 10-year blueprint for NHS reform in England, including a six-month waiting list limit, has been announced.

PATIENTS

Improving patient service
Waiting is a key problem in the NHS - but the government has pledged to reduce it substantially.

CLINICAL STANDARDS

Variations in care targeted
Cleaner wards, better food and improving clinical care are high on the government's list of priorities.

NHS STAFF

NHS staff to become more 'flexible'
More doctors, more nurses, and changes to the way NHS staff work are part of the modernisation plans.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Elderly to be prioritised in reforms
The government is to improve care for the elderly, with new intermediate care services and free medical care in nursing homes.

HEALTH PROMOTION

NHS to tackle 'causes of ill health'
Extra screening programmes and free fruit are part of plans to improve people's health.