The Waldegrave Interview

flags carried in front of them and argued that things should go slower. We shall be looking to see that the Reforms deliver a more cost-effective health service without in any way compromising the traditionally very high standards of medical care we have had in this country. Indeed we would expect the comprehensive introduction of medical audit to improve standards of care still further and I am glad that we can look to the support of the profession on this. Achieving a more cost-effective health service means simply that we use money more wisely in the interests of patients and offer a service more responsive to their needs. This can be measured in a whole variety of ways, as for example in improvements in waiting times, better use of operating theatres and the introduction of appointment systems in out-patient departments which respect the fact that patients' time too has