The exact details of the role remain to be developed. Disability support will remain delivered through a separate but parallel structure. People The Labour Party identifies a lack of accountability as one of the weaknesses in the current system. This would be addressed through introducing an approach involving more leadership and less management, a process starting right at the top of the system. Specific management skills for health are required.
Current standards are variable.
There is a need to increase the involvement of health professionals in the planning process. One particular area for focus is that of rural health. The required skills will be attracted and developed through the establishment of a chair in rural medicine, and providing rural incentives for both GPs and nurses. The focus of management will be on longer term five year strategic planning, supported by an annual funding round based on health service plans for the coming year, where the ability to meet national targets and objectives will be required, but include consultation to develop local priorities. The amount of funding made available will be determined centrally, with explicit assumptions on the level of acute demand.