National Service Framework for Older People: Will access to health services for elderly patients improve?

摘要

The National Service Framework for Older People (NSF), published recently by the Department of Health in England, represents a major initiative to improve services for this group of patients. It describes an ambitious 10-year plan to address ageism, person-centered care, hospital care, specialist care (in the core areas of stroke, falls and mental health), health promotion and medicines use. Successful implementation of the NSF will unequivocally improve access to key services for older people including specialist care and community services. However, considerable commitment and new resources will be required to realize the intentions of this complex initiative.