The HEAT performance management system sets out the targets and measures against which NHS Boards are publicly monitored and evaluated. Better Health, Better Case states that the system has been developed so that it:
- identifies and drives the contribution of NHSScotland to the overall strategic objectives of the Scottish Government
- links closely with the new accountability and performance arrangements that apply for local government and enables joint roles, responsibilities and actions to be agreed at local level through Community Planning arrangements
- demonstrates clear alignment between short term operational targets and the longer term strategic direction set out in this document.
Successful Local Delivery Plans and Annual Reviews are at the heart of performance management of NHS Scotland. For 2009/10, NHS Boards will continue to produce Local Delivery Plans based around the HEAT targets that set out their delivery trajectories, key risks, workforce challenges, and financial plans. This year we are also asking NHS Boards to set out clearly how they are helping to deliver the Scottish Government's national outcomes and purpose through delivery of the HEAT targets and the local commitments they make through the Community Planning Partnerships in support of SOAs.