As we go into this new year making new resolutions and plans thinking about goals, aspirations or dreams, let's consider first the good things we have rather than the negatives that we don't.

Yesterday as I was leaving Charring Cross hospital and descending in the lift, it stopped at a floor and a lady in a wheelchair deftly manoeuvred herself into the lift.

First impression was she was very well dressed, nicely turned out, well made up and smart clothes. Then I realised she had no legs from above the knee, one arm and only one finger and a thumb on her remaining hand. I couldn't help but ask, a rare blood disease is eating her extremities, the third finger of her left hand removed just before Christmas - attitude - "there's no point in being upset about it, you just have to get on and not let it get to you and count your blessings for what you do have and who you have around you".

As we exited the lift she gave me a broad smile and then turned and whisked herself off towards the exit.

Positive thinking can really help us to achieve a lot in life. 2011 may look to be a challenging year, but if we adopt a positive 'can do' attitude and work together the sky's the the limit on what we can achieve.

I think this year will be very challenging for the NHS but I believe that because we are a great team, together we can have a great future. This will be a year for change and new innovation, new ideas. I think we will start to see new ways of delivering healthcare and as we have already been developing our own smart solutions we want to be at the forefront of that change.

I want to wish you all a great 12 months ahead and the very best for 2011 and I look forward to building a better, brighter future.