Current targets: where are we going?

Clinical targets are relatively easy to set but can be extremely difficult to implement. It is important to have organisational targets, in addition to clinical targets. The National Service Framework (NSF) for coronary heart disease sets national standards, defines service models, and establishes performance indicators for clinicians to meet. The new National Health Service ethos, in which front line staff are being empowered to develop innovative services tailored to local needs, is helping health professionals in primary care to deliver better care and improved "patient pathways" as promised in the NSF. However, there is still a need for additional resources in order to build capacity and provide support to the health care staff who are delivering the service.