This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotland to get annual check up
04/12/2006
There is to be an annual public review of the state of Scotland's health.
First Minister Jack McConnell made the announcement today as the first annual Health Improvement Report was published by Health Minister Andy Kerr.
The report was commissioned by last year and was approved by Scotland's Cabinet last month for publication at the World Health Organisation (WHO) conference taking place in Edinburgh this week.
It will be the first of a new form of annual reports to the First Minister covering all actions on health improvement.
At the WHO conference, the First Minister explained that the report will now form part of a new systematic annual process to examine Scotland's health needs and to identify priorities for the year ahead.
The new approach is aimed at enabling better co-ordination and prioritisation of initiatives already taking place to improve Scotland's health record.
Mr McConnell pointed to the impact poor health has on people's quality of life, economic growth and the cost to the NHS as 'reasons why improving our health matters and it matters to all of us, not just those in the NHS'.
The FM made it clear that, for this reason, the new public review will engage expertise from outside the health service and harness a more rounded approach to addressing health needs.
The report also measures progress being made across government to improve Scotland's health with the aim of bringing it up to a par with the best in Europe.
It highlights initiatives such as the ban on smoking in public places, improved school meals and the alcohol test purchasing pilot as examples of how all parts of government are working together, in addition to stressing the role of the NHS in more preventative and proactive care.
The FM said:
"My vision for a healthier, happier more productive Scotland is one shared by the vast majority of Scots.
"For that reason I feel confident that we can open up our work on health improvement to a wide range of partnership organisations, experts and influential stakeholders.
"The annual health report we have published today will be sent for comment and engagement to the widest range of stakeholders - here in Scotland and beyond - to encourage them to play a full part in a healthier Scotland. Their input will be even more important in future years.
"And to monitor progress and create a shared national agenda, there will be an Annual Public Review based on the report and what needs to be done.
"This new, very public, annual check up will be a way to rigorously examine what has been done, so that our health improves and our economy grows.
"Our poor health impacts not just on individual lives but on the NHS, our economic growth and our international reputation. These are just a few of the reasons why improving our health matters and it matters to all of us, not just those in the NHS.
"But to turn around the reality and the perception of the personal health of Scots, we need to step up our efforts, create a shared national purpose and check against progress each year.
"While we recognise that Government cannot force people into lifestyle choices, we do believe that there is enormous scope for individuals in Scotland to make more of their lives."