Written question WQ84300

We are considering a number of draft quality statements for conditions currently covered by existing delivery plans as well as some in other clinical areas. All are at different stage of development, with those relating to Liver, Diabetes, Respiratory Health and Renal at the most advanced stage. A number of other draft quality statements including for Women’s Health and Neurological Conditions are also in preparation.

To manage these documents into the NHS planning system effectively, a system for prioritising, agreeing and publishing quality statements is also under consideration and I expect to receive advice shortly on this, together with a publication plan.

It is important to ensure that the existing and future quality statements are being taken forward by health boards and trusts in their IMTPs and the various national programmes, networks and implementation groups will support the NHS organisations to do so through the development of enabling plans. For the four Quality Statements already published, plans are all at different stages of development, as shown below:

• Cancer – a supporting implementation plan has been drafted and is awaiting completion and sign off;

• Heart Conditions - a plan still under development by the network with input from the implementation group;

• Care of the Critically ill – a plan is still under development with input from the network board and service improvement group;

• Stroke – a plan is due to be developed early this year.