The tsar's progress.

The National Service Framework (NSF) for Older People is now three years into its implementation and this month marks a point at which the achievement of key milestones is being assessed. Ian Philp, national director for older people's services, talks to Hazel Heath about progress so far. Of all the NSFs, the framework for older people has the biggest reach, covering 46 percent of NHS spend, 60 percent of social care spend and the work of over one million health and social care practitioners. Philp was appointed in November 2000 and the NSF was published the following April.