This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Improving Scotland’s health
09/06/2005
Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) from around the world were today told they have a vital role in improving public health.
Attending the first ever International Allied Health Professional Conference on health improvement, physical therapists (including physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and radiographers) from the UK and beyond, heard Health Minister Andy Kerr speaking of their important role in proactive health improvement.
Andy Kerr said:
"Allied Health Professionals do a range of valuable work and without their dedication or professionalism neither NHSScotland nor local authorities could do their job properly.
"We are beginning to shed the image of Scotland's poor health record, but much still needs to be done.
"Smoking in particular is a major contributor to ill health in this country, costing thousands of lives every year and affecting thousands of families.
"That is why we're taking action in this area by clearing the air in enclosed public spaces and providing considerable investment to help smokers quit.
"However, we all have a role to play in helping smokers quit and improving health - and, central to this drive, is Allied Health Professionals.
"AHPs in Scotland are already key players driving home our agenda on nutrition, physical activity, mental wellbeing and chronic disease management.
"They are therefore contributing in a major way to improving Scotland's health but there is now an opportunity to work with smokers and assist those who want to quit.
"I wants to encourage AHPs to continue to shift the focus from being reactive to ill health to being proactive in improving our health, playing a part in making our vision of a healthier nation a reality."
Dr Erio Ziglio, Head, WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development, Venice added:
"I am delighted to be in Edinburgh at this very important gathering. I am very glad that Scotland is taking the lead with its planned comprehensive legislation on smoking in public enclosed places. I'm sure this will bring priceless benefits and it is an example which other countries should consider following."
"The theme for this year's World No Tobacco Day is involving health professionals. Allied Health Professionals play a vital role in this area - from radiographers to cardiac rehabilitation physiotherapists, from public health professionals to health educators.
"We are increasingly aware that inequalities in health remain a huge problem among countries and within countries. In order to reduce these inequalities health professionals can play many important roles from advocacy to the delivery of effective services, programmes and policies.
"Needless to say that this is very closely linked to the theme of this conference: 'health improvement'. Having an impact on the creation of better conditions for health and reducing health inequalities is, in my personal view, a key area where AHPs can make a huge contribution and they are already making it."