SERVICES closer to home for dementia and stroke patients, more healthcare in the community and extra work with children having problems at school are some of the priorities for the NHS in Norfolk over the next five years.

SERVICES closer to home for dementia and stroke patients, more healthcare in the community and extra work with children having problems at school are some of the priorities for the NHS in Norfolk over the next five years.

Older people are being promised �23m of new investment in healthcare in the community, especially for people with dementia, stroke or chronic lung disease (COPD).

This is the single biggest pledge in cash terms in NHS Norfolk's five-year plan, its first strategic plan since the health trust was formed in 2006.

Another priority group is young men, who are less likely to use health services, and families of disadvantaged children, who will get �8m of improved services between them. Men aged 16-25 are being promised “services more appropriate to their needs”.

The idea is that if more work is done with children who are likely to have problems at school, it may be possible to stop them being expelled and taking up “risky behaviour” such as drugs, and ultimately change the course of their lives.

Healthcare in the community, costing �4m, may include more services at doctors' surgeries and market town-based “hubs” for diagnosis and treatment of more conditions.