Written question WQ93942

The Welsh Government set out its approach to developing clinical services in the National Clinical Framework. This explained the Quality Statements would inform the local delivery of services through the NHS planning framework. We have taken this approach because we believe it is important to develop clinical services in a way that fits with how the NHS in Wales is organised, planned, funded, and held to account. Given the seven health boards plan and deliver services for their population, it is important policy expectations are reflected in local planning processes for them to be realised.

Quality statements will not normally be accompanied by national plans, although the NHS Executive has a number of important enabling actions for deliver, such as the development of nationally agreed pathways of care and comparable datasets to support accountability processes.