§ Mr. Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are his priorities for the national health service in Wales during 1996. [8844]
§ Mr. RichardsThe priorities are clear. My right hon. Friend wants the NHS in Wales to redouble its efforts to provide effective care, care that has been shown to be of benefit to patients with minimum bureaucracy and delay and with maximum efficiency.
Our priorities in detail are:
- (i) more emphasis on services of proven benefit to patients;
- (ii) more responsive services;
- (iii) partnerships with Social Services and voluntary groups;
- (iv) co-operation within the NHS; and
- (v) improved efficiency.