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Foreword
As the NHS in Scotland changes and improves, one thing remains the same - the absolute commitment to comprehensive services available to all according to their clinical needs, and free at the point of delivery. This, the foundation of the NHS, remains my principal guide as we work to improve our health services still further.
Scotland is changing. While our population is becoming healthier, it is becoming more elderly too. Health technology and practices are advancing and there are new and better opportunities in the NHS for the people who work there. All of this change means that the way health services are provided has to change too. Not because we should do things differently just for the sake of it, but because now, more than ever, we can prevent people becoming unwell, treat them faster and better if they do, and more often than not, treat them close to their home rather than in a hospital.
In May, I received Professor David Kerr's report, Building a Health Service Fit for the Future. His prescription for an NHS that is proactive, modern, safe and embedded in communities is supported by Scottish Ministers. It also fits well with the conclusions emerging from our review of social work.
After extensive consultation across Scotland, a framework was set out for the way services need to change. Now, I want NHS Boards and Regional Planning Groups to use that framework to drive their service improvement programmes.
At a national level, we will continue to support greater integration within the health service and with other social services. We will seek improvements in the quality of health care and in productivity too. We want services delivered as locally as possible, when that can be done safely and sustainably, but with prompt access to specialised services when necessary.
Over the next few years, the changes that we are making in the NHS in Scotland will lead to increases in the diagnostic and treatment services available in local communities, and an end to unacceptable waits for more complex treatments. Our hospital services will work differently, with better rehabilitation and faster transfer back home or to community care services.
I also expect the changes that we are making will see the health of our population continue to improve, but I want everyone to have the same opportunity to experience that improvement. Currently there are stark differences in the healthy life expectancy of different communities across Scotland. This is unacceptable. Within this plan I commit to an emphasis on tackling health inequalities greater than Scotland has ever seen before.
We will prioritise preventive medicine and proactive care. We will be prepared to target our resources where they are most needed. We will equip the health service to encourage and secure health improvement and "wellness", rather than just treating illness.
In his report to me, Professor David Kerr said:
'The NHS in Scotland needs to change. Not because it is in crisis as some would have us believe - it is not; but because Scotland's health care needs are changing and we need to act now to ensure we are ready to meet the future challenges.'
We must make that change in the NHS happen.
The programme set out in this document describes in practical terms what action we must take to turn our vision into reality. It applies the findings of Professor Kerr's framework in a national context, setting them alongside our existing initiatives and future plans.
This is a plan for the long-term. A plan for a national service that promotes our national health. A plan with patients at its core. A plan for action, a plan for change.
ANDY KERR, MSP
Minister for Health and Community Care
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