Improving Health in Scotland - THE CHALLENGE
SUPPORT FOR CHANGE
NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
Three national demonstration projects dealing with the early years (Starting Well, Glasgow), heart disease (Have a Heart Paisley) and sexual health of young people (Healthy Respect, Lothian) are underway. They are acting as 'hot-beds' of activity and new ideas. As part of the process for securing a more rapid rate of health improvement, they will help to guide action that can be implemented nationally across Scotland, particularly through National Learning Networks. The National Learning Networks are being established by NHS Health Scotland to bring together and disseminate evidence and information about what works and examples of good practice, and will include learning from the demonstration projects. The national demonstration projects are being reviewed with the intention of moving to Phase 2 by autumn 2003.
Action 41
With the support of National Learning Networks, established by NHS Health Scotland, learn from the experiences to date of the Starting Well, Healthy Respect and Have a Heart Paisley demonstration projects.
Commission by October 2003 Phase 2 of the demonstration project programme, and support roll-out of lessons learned.
THE NHS
The National Health Service has two main functions: to improve health and to provide healthcare services.
This Challenge is focused primarily on the NHS efforts to improve health. The NHS also improves health by providing the following services. For example:
the optimal provision of a wide range of therapeutic and behavioural interventions to adults with established heart disease to decrease the risk of further coronary event
the effective management of high blood pressure to prevent strokes
the introduction of chronic disease management systems for diabetes and asthma to improve outcomes
evidence-based approaches to screening, early detection and treatment of cancer to improve outcomes and decrease inequalities in outcomes
review of obesity services by establishing a working group to report by end 2003
a Centre for Change and Innovation for NHSScotland.
Action 42
NHS Health Scotland will consult and develop an approach to bringing together the evidence base for how health services can be used strategically to improve population health outcomes and this will be discussed with each Health Board area so that the findings can be implemented into local health improvement plans by autumn 2003.
Action to ensure the benefits of health improvement and interventions are brought equally to all parts of Scotland, and/or all patient groups that might benefit.
LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Local authorities have historically contributed to a broad 'public health' agenda and currently provide a wide range of services which are fundamental to the health and well-being of the communities they serve. These services not only contribute to the promotion of positive lifestyles but are actively addressing the life circumstances which can determine the health status of individuals and communities.
In accepting the challenge of improving the health of the people of Scotland local authorities are committed to developing as 'Health Improvement' organisations.
Accepting Health Improvement as a core function/part of the corporate culture
Developing policy which impact positively on health
Ensuring service delivery support objectives within the Joint Health Improvement Plan
Building capacity in local authorities to take forward the agenda
Critically reviewing the impact of policy and practice
Developing partnerships which bring added value to the Health Improvement effort
Local authorities will continue to audit their progress in developing as 'Health Improvement' organisations and ensure commitment to Health Improvement and Joint Health Improvement Planning through the Community Planning process.
Action 43
Strengthen and support organisations, outwith NHSScotland, to develop and deliver Health Improvement within the context of the Challenge.
Involve local government, the voluntary sector and private sector in the thinking, development and delivery of strategy and policy for health improvement
Support capacity building for health improvement in these sectors
Recognise and embrace the diversity of knowledge and organisational culture with all sectors and settings
Action 44
A Healthy Scotland Convention, to take place in March 2003.
A national Healthy Scotland Convention will be used to disseminate and obtain feedback on the plan and to promote effective communication and discussion with the key stakeholders for health improvement across Scotland.
It will celebrate success and capture best practice, learning and experience in addition to providing the platform for inspiration and innovation in the work to achieve a step change to Scotland's health.