NHS Targets to be Replaced by New Goals

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has announced new goals to replace NHS targets. Three areas are the main focus in this new policy - stroke, dementia and blood clots.

The new targets are the work of NHS watchdog NICE in consultation with doctors and patients. Mr Lansley denied that he was setting mini-targets even as the Labour’s targets on waiting times may have to go.

Stroke – Early Warning Signs - Risk Factor - Rehab - Treatment
Stroke can cause permanent disability and it is important to recognize its early warning signs to stop its progress. Early warning signs of stroke include sudden weakness of facial muscles.

"These are standards not diktats. It is not politicians establishing these, I am not picking them out. If I started doing that I would be distorting clinical standards,” he said adding that they were evidence-based guidelines rather than targets.

Some of the new targets include access to a specialist within one hour of a stroke diagnosis and rehab within 72 hours of discharge. The British Medical Association has backed the new standards saying they were backed by evidence, “We are pretty impressed,” he added.

Source-Medindia

Heat Stroke - Causes - Symptoms - Treatment - FAQs
Heat stroke is caused when body temperature or hyperthermia exceeds 40.6°C or 105.1°F. Heat stroke can be triggered due to overwork during summer months and lack of perspiration.

Cholesterol - Lipoproteins - Functions - Normal Blood Cholesterol Levels - Causes - Treatment - FAQs
Cholesterol is produced by the body (liver) and is essential for normal body functioning.

High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is defined as a blood pressure of above 140 mm Hg (systolic) and or 90mm Hg (diastolic).