The Confederation has several influencing priorities for 2007. These will be the focus of our efforts to shape the policy agenda and the wider public debate on health and health services. We will also be working to ensure these issues are put firmly on the agenda of all three political parties during the year when the next Prime Minister will be chosen.

1. Finance and value for money

The NHS has enjoyed record increases in investment since 2000, but the pace of increase will slow down following the Comprehensive Spending Review in 2007. The health service needs to constantly become more productive and use its resources as effectively as possible, as every penny wasted is a penny that cannot be spent on patient care.

2. Creating a patient-focused NHS

Putting the patient first seems obvious but has often historically not been the way the NHS has been organised. Too often, for example, success has been measured on how many operations we perform, not the outcomes of those operations.

3. Commissioning

The importance of effective commissioning is being increasingly recognised. Primary Care Trusts are focusing on how to ensure their local communities get the services they need, but are finding a shortage of good practice from which to learn.

4. Strategy and configuration

The NHS must put in place solid strategies locally that plan ahead for the whole health community. Policy is driven by the Department of Health and the focus locally is too often on achieving targets and breaking even. We need a better way to plan for the long term.

5. Future Visions

2007 will see a new Prime Minister, the Conservative Party's health policy review and the major development of the reform agenda. The health service needs to influence the direction of policy to ensure that every reform benefits patients.