The new NHS set out a modernisation programme to deliver more consistent and higher quality care for patients. The consultation document
A First Class Service is an integral part of that programme. It sets out in more detail a framework for quality improvement and fair access in the NHS, the main elements of which are:

clear national standards for services and treatments, through National Service Frameworks and a new National Institute for Clinical Excellence

local delivery of high quality health care, through clinical governance underpinned by modernised professional self-regulation and extended lifelong learning

effective monitoring of progress through a new Commission for Health Improvement, a Framework for Assessing Performance in the NHS and a new national survey of patient and user experience.

Summary Document

The summary version of A First Class Service is available here in HTML format.

• Foreward and Contents
• Introduction
• Setting Quality Standards
• Delivering Quality Standards
• Monitoring Quality Standards
• Action for Quality

• Health Service Circular