However, national records do show thatthat the sickness absence rate for all absence in 2004-05 for NHS Western Isleswas 4.87%, well below the national average of 5.35%.The chairman of the board andhis directors are keeping the Health Department in close touch with the board’sfinancial plan and overall redesign of services. These changes should enable the board to modernise services in line withthe direction and actions set out in Delivering for Health, improve careeropportunities for staff and overall provide better patient care.