Foreword
The potential of information technology to support improved healthcare is recognised across the world. There are many approaches to delivering this potential Scotland is building an approach that best fits the needs of NHS Scotland.
In Scotland the eHealth Strategy is setting a course which focuses on improved healthcare more than technology. It also seeks to build on the significant progress we have already made to move to progressively stronger and more integrated support for the provision of care..
The Strategy is firmly rooted in the aims of the Better health Better Care Action Plan. It therefore targets effort on the key priorities we have set for health while also looking to build the wider vision of more integrated care and the use of information to promote better, more efficient and safer care for patients.
NHS Scotland will achieve more and more quickly when the skills, energy and commitment from across Scotland play a full part in the changes. The Strategy has built consensus about the next steps and delivering the benefits will be taken forward in the same way.
Nicola Sturgeon, MSP
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Well-being