Jim is an 81-year-old retired labourer who lives in a welfare home in the south-east. Three years ago, he complained of a sore nose and had difficulty breathing through his nostrils.
His GP requested a routine ENT appointment in a local hospital and was told that there would be a five-year wait for treatment.
Jim now has two years left before he will be seen with a view to an operation to correct his nasal deformity.
Children requiring tonsillectomy in the south-east must wait two years for treatment, according to the same GP. A child he referred for surgical treatment of enlarged tonsils and "glue ear" in 1999 had his operation last week.
What difference will the health strategy make for children and older people?
Ear, nose and throat services have always had some of the longest waiting times for both outpatient appointments and surgical procedures.
The older man should benefit from a more focused health service for the elderly outlined in the strategy. In addition, an increase in both hospital beds and consultants should help to bring about a quicker appointment time.
And, of course, the commitment that no one will have to wait more than three months for treatment should speed up his care, even if it involves having to travel to achieve this.
The child waiting for a tonsillectomy will primarily benefit from the Treatment Purchase Fund. His parents may have to travel abroad with him while he is operated on - this may not suit all families with young children.