What is a HEAT target?
HEAT targets are a core set of Ministerial objectives, targets and measures for the NHS. HEAT targets are set for a three year period and progress towards them is measured through the Local Delivery Plan process.
HEAT target revisions and additions (2008)
At the end of 2007 some of the HEAT targets were revised and a new target added:
The new targets are:
- Target 1:Reduce the annual rate of increase of defined daily dose per capita of antidepressants to zero by 2009/10 and put in place the required support framework to achieve a 10% reduction in future years (2009/10)
- Target 2:Reduce suicide rate between 2002 and 2013 by 20%, supported by 50% of key frontline staff in mental health and substance misuse services, primary care, and accident and emergency being educated and trained in using suicide assessment tools/suicide prevention training programmes by (2010/2013)
- Target 3: We will reduce the number of readmissions (within one year) for those that have had a hospital admission of over 7 days by 10% (by the end of December 2009)
HEAT readmissions data
- Target 4(NEW): Each NHS Board will achieve agreed improvements in the early diagnosis and management of patients with a dementia (March 2011)