The vision to improve healthcare for people in the county has been unveiled by the West Sussex Primary Care Trust, setting out a number of specific goals to deliver even better care.

The draft plan, still to be given final approval, follows hot on the heels of the controversial Fit For The Future shake-up of health services where the PCT agreed to downgrade St Richard's Hospital and centralise some services to Worthing.

But these plans are on hold until an independent watchdog decides whether or not to review the decision.

"Without doubt, the biggest challenge has been Fit for the Future," said PCT chief executive John Wilderspin.

"The review sparked a huge debate about local hospital services and it was clear from the public consultation how passionately people feel.

"The process is now on hold while the Independent Reconfiguration Panel considers whether to review our decision."

But the uncertainty has not stopped the PCT putting together its vision and it is consulting patients, clinicians and other organisations before agreeing a final plan to be implemented next year.

The key strategic goals announced in the new vision include:

* Halve the incidence of c.difficile in hospitals by 2010;

* Continue work to eradicate hospital-acquired MRSA;

* Reduce the current 13-year life expectancy gap in different areas of West Sussex by 2014;

* Reduce cancer mortality and variation across West Sussex by 2012;

* Increase the number of new radiotherapy machines by three – either within the county or in an easily accessible location;

* By 2011, 90 per cent of pregnant women will see a midwife within 12 weeks to discuss how and where to give birth;

* Ensure there is a consultant present on labour wards for at least 60 hours of every week;

* By 2011, 80 per cent of stroke patients will have access to a brain scan within 24 hours and special clot-busting drugs will be available to all patients who need them by 2010.

Mr Wilderspin said: "We will now continue working to finalise these plans and ensure the £1bn funds we have available for delivering this strategy are invested in a way that provides safe, sustainable services for all, while also providing the best value for our taxpayers' money."

For John Wilderspin's view on the PCT's five-year plan see next page.