'The targets that we have used to deliver radical improvements weren't popular or easy. But without them, we would never have achieved so much, so fast. The next stage of reform won't be easy or popular either. People will say we're going too fast, we're taking too many risks, we should leave the NHS alone', she said.

'We still have a great deal more to do if we are to put beyond doubt, for at least another generation, the proposition that a universal service, paid for by general taxation and free at the point of need, is not only the fairest health system, but can provide the best healthcare – and provide it to all', she said.

Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Health, was speaking to the Fabian Society on Wednesday 20th July 2005. The event was kindly supported by our partners Pfizer.

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