Together we can deliver a Scotland where everybody thrives

From Ally Boyle, MBE, Board Chair

In the next five years, action in the Scottish Parliament has the potential to transform health and wellbeing in Scotland for the long term.

Scotland’s life expectancy remains the lowest in Western Europe, and the gap in healthy life expectancy between our wealthiest and poorest communities is now more than 25 years.

This is not inevitable. It is the result of circumstances we can influence. If we choose to act with purpose, we can narrow that gap and improve lives across every part of Scotland.

We already know what works. Determined national action has reduced smoking through the ban on smoking in public places; it has reduced harmful drinking by targeting cheap, strong alcohol; and it has prevented future disease through HPV vaccination. These successes show that bold public health measures deliver real, measurable benefit.

We have clear evidence on the next steps needed to improve Scotland’s health and wellbeing. Public Health Scotland (PHS) is actively engaging across the political spectrum to identify the policy choices with the greatest potential to improve outcomes, and to support Parliament in turning that evidence into action.

From Paul Johnston, Chief Executive

Prioritising the building blocks of health 

Our health and wellbeing are shaped by a wide range of factors  - including our housing, education, employment,  the physical environment we live in, the opportunities available to lead a healthy life, and ability to access timely and effective health and care services. Coordinated action across these areas, combined with a focus on preventing ill health, will improve population health, strengthen Scotland’s economy and ensure that everyone can thrive. 

Full implementation of the Population Health Framework (PHF) 

Scotland’s Population Health Framework, which PHS made a significant contribution to, provides a robust foundation for sustained, cross-party, long-term action over the next Parliament. 

The Population Health Framework sets out five key drivers for better health (see diagram). PHS has engaged with all Scotland’s political parties to highlight targeted action for the next Parliament.

Examples of the kind of policy action we are calling for include:

• Ensure public services actively invest in prevention to support wellbeing and stop problems from happening in the first place
• Prioritise measures to reduce poverty and improve access to good work
• Champion positive legislation such as measures to transform our food environment to ensure that healthy options are available and affordable for all
•  Progress legislation to tackle smoking, alcohol and vaping
• Protect health by increasing vaccination and screening uptake  
• Improve mental health through measures such as social prescribing.

Maintaining momentum

PHS is determined to play our part. Our new 10-year strategy supports the delivery of the Population Health Framework. Everything we do over the next decade will be designed to increase life expectancy by at least a year, and to improve health in the poorest communities.

The evidence is clear.  To reduce health inequalities and increase life expectancy there is a collective need for the Population Health Framework to be delivered in full.

Our role is to develop and present the evidence as to what works, and to support change nationally and locally.   But we cannot do this alone. 

We are committed to working with communities and the people of Scotland we serve.  We will also partner with national and local government, with the third sector and with business.  We will engage with other public bodies.  We call on all those organisations to play their part. Progress is possible.  

Together we can create a Scotland where everybody thrives.

For more information view the PHS Strategy and our Policy Guide.

This article is sponsored by Public Health Scotland.