Letter: Priorities for the nation's health

Sir: Your coverage (9 July) of the Government's White Paper, The Health of the Nation, rightly concentrated on the new strategy to reduce death and disease. The funding implications of this shift could have been of some concern to the hospice movement, but for a reassuring message in the White Paper's introduction. This highlights the importance of maintaining the quality of care and support provided for a range of people, including those who are dying.

Enhancing the life that remains is an integral part of hospice philosophy. Government's renewed commitment is most welcome.

Yours faithfully,

JEAN GAFFIN

Executive Director

National Council for Hospice and

Specialist Palliative Care Services

London, W1