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HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Core Functions of Department
The Health Department's purpose is to improve the health and the quality of life of the people of Scotland and to deliver integrated health and community care services, making sure there is support and protection for those members of society who are in greatest need.
The Health Department determines national objectives for health services and offers guarantees on behalf of patients, providing a clear statutory and financial framework for NHS Scotland and holds it to account for its performance. It also has the discretion to intervene if serious problems arise at local level.
The Department is working in partnership with service users, carers, local authorities, the NHS, the Care Commission and the voluntary and independent sectors to improve community care services across Scotland.
Departmental Priorities in 2006 - 2009
The Department's objectives 1 are as follows:
- Working across Scottish Executive Departments and with other delivery partners to improve the health of everyone in Scotland and reduce the health gap between people living in the most affluent and most deprived communities.
- To seek and take into account the views and experiences of patients, carers and communities in designing, planning and improving healthcare services.
- To improve the quality of NHS services to better meet the needs of patients, with particular priority to cancer, coronary heart disease, stroke and mental health.
- Ensure patients receive healthcare at the right time, in the right place and in the right way.
We will continue to drive forward "Delivering for Health" 2, our programme of action for the NHS. This will see a shift in the balance of care, emphasising preventative medicine, support for self care, community based services and greater targeting of resources to those most at risk. This approach will:
- Place the patient at the centre of planning and delivery
- Reduce waiting times
- Raise the quality of care and promote patient safety
Key Targets for the Health Department
Our immediate priority, is to meet the targets set out in "Delivering for Health", in particular:
- improving health and targeting action to address inequalities in health;
- meeting waiting times targets;
- a national strategy for the care of long term conditions;
- e-health review of emergency retrieving services;
- plans for the establishment of planned care services;
- development of a model of Rural General Hospitals;
- publication of a National Delivery Plan for Mental Health Services;
- managed Clinical Networks for tertiary paediatric care;
- we have initiated a National Review of Specialist Children's Services which is aiming to produce a National Delivery Plan for Specialist Children's Services in Scotland by the autumn of 2007 which will include building two new children's hospitals in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
- continuing investment in research ensuring that expenditure is as well-focused as possible to achieve the objectives of improving health and health services for the people of Scotland.
As Scotland's largest employer we aim to raise awareness of equality and diversity issues in the workplace and promote accessible recruitment methods. This will help us ensure that our workforce reflects the local community, assisting in the delivery of a culturally sensitive service which is responsive to the needs of patients and the public.
Key Targets for NHS Scotland
The Minister for Health and Community Care set 28 Key Targets for the NHS in December 2005. These Targets underpin the four Key Objectives for the Health Department's Delivery Plan which are set out below:
- health improvement for the people of Scotland - improving life expectancy and healthy life expectancy;
- efficiency and government improvements - continually improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the NHS;
- access to services - recognising patients' need for quicker and easier use of NHS services; and
- treatment appropriate to individuals - ensure patients receive high quality services that meet their needs.
The 28 Key Targets form the basis of Local Delivery Plans ( LDPs). LDPs have been produced by each of the 14 area NHS Boards. They set out trajectories for each Board's expected performance towards meeting the Targets and are an agreement between the Department and each Board focusing on the delivery of the Targets. The progress of each Board is tracked on a regular (monthly) basis by the Health Department Board with appropriate intervention/support when necessary.
Departmental Statement of Objectives/Aims to Advance Gender Equality
We aim to ensure that men and women are involved in the design, development and delivery of health services to ensure they recognise and respond sensitively to the individual needs and circumstances of their lives, in an NHS that is free from prejudice, harassment and discrimination.
While each NHS Board will publish their own gender equality schemes, in recognition of the relationship between the Health Department's strategic role and NHS Boards' role in the delivery of services, we are implementing a "whole system" approach to gender equality across our key clinical priorities. Additionally we will specify key policy areas which are Health Department specific.
Our evidence base in health is already very good in terms of gender and we are able to analyse much of our analytical data by sex. Tackling health inequalities is a key part of the work of the health department, along with other health inequalities issues, and understanding and tacking gender equality issues form a central part of our work.
We know that men and women's mortality rates vary across a range of diseases, with cancer and heart disease taking the lives of more men than women on an annual basis.
Other issues such as mental health, alcohol consumption, smoking rates and obesity are also markedly gendered. We know that women are more likely than men to suffer from anxiety and depression, while men are more likely than women to commit suicide.
Our overarching objective will be to gender impact assess our policies and practices over the lifetime of the scheme. Gender equality cuts across everything that the Health Department does and is critical to the delivery of high quality, appropriate and effective services in Scotland. As part of our statement of aims and objectives, we have set out our key priority areas below. These are set out in full in our action plan, along with a number of other objectives where we believe gender equality can be effectively and meaningfully progressed.
Patient Focus Public Involvement ( PFPI)
In order to address health inequalities in Scotland, we believe that we need to change the way in which the service interacts with the people it serves as well as the way services are delivered. PFPI is about recognizing that healthcare services should not simply do things to people, they must do things with the people they serve.
The basic aims of PFPI are to work towards a: service where people are respected, treated as individuals and involved in their own care; a service where individuals*, groups and communities are involved in improving the quality of care, in influencing priorities and in planning services; and a service designed for and involving users. We know that we have more to do if we are to effectively mainstream gender equality into our PFPI work. That's why we have been working closely with the Equal Opportunities Commission Scotland to push forward the Fair for All - Gender work, to ensure that gender equality issues are fully factored into this area of work.
Cancer
The Scottish Executive is committed to taking the necessary action to prevent, detect and improve treatment and care for people with cancer in Scotland.
What we already know
Between 1980 and 2005 death rates from all cancers have decreased for both men and women, by 19% for men (from a European age-standardised rate of 310 to 252 per 100,000 for men) and by 6% for women (from 193 to 181 per 100,000 for women).
Death rates from the most common cancers affecting both men and women are consistently higher for men. For example, the mortality rate from cancer of the lung and mesothelioma in 2005, was 72 per 100,000 for men and 45 per 100,000 for women; the mortality rate from colorectal cancer was 28 per 100,000 for men and 16 for women; and the mortality rate from cancer of the stomach was 11 per 100,000 for men and 6 per 100,000 for women.
Between 1980 and 2005, rates of male deaths from prostate cancer have increased by 17% (from 21 to 25 per 100,000), whilst rates of female deaths from breast cancer have decreased by 25% (from 40 to 30 per 100,000).
We know that certain cancers currently kill more men than women, however, given the rise in unhealthy smoking, eating and drinking behaviours amongst women, we recognise that this could change and that our health services shouldn't make assumptions.
Men's health is important in this regard. We know that many men die unnecessarily of cancer because they present far too late for our health services to be able to intervene effectively. We know that we need to continue to encourage men to take good care of their health and to ensure that when they do start to feel unwell, that they seek timely medial advice.
Our objectives
We are committed to mainstreaming gender equality across our policies, functions and services. We have already drawn up a detailed plan to be agreed with the EOC, for implementation across the Health Department and NHSScotland in 2007-08.
We will support our key stakeholders, for example, cancer leads, to effectively impact assess their policies and in the process of reviewing those policies, we will support them to effectively embed the need to promote equality for men and women, including transgender men and women, into their policy and practice.
We want to see the numbers of both men and women dying of cancer reduced.
Mental Health
The Scottish Executive's policy on Mental Health is to maintain the mental well-being of the people in Scotland, and improve the situation of those with mental ill-health, by working with others to: a) promote attitudes and behaviour in the general public which lead to mental well-being; and b) to ensure that good quality mental health services are available for everyone that needs them at all levels of need.
What we already know
The Scottish Health Survey, which collects self-reported data, tells us that women and men report different levels of what we call "psychological well-being". More men than women have tended to report high levels of psychological well-being, and that, conversely, more women than men have tended to report low levels of psychological well-being.
We know that prevalence rates of anxiety and depression, as recorded by GPs, suggest even greater gender differences in mental health. We know that women are more than twice as likely as male patients to be recorded as suffering from anxiety and depression and that age is also a factor. However, while women are more prone to anxiety and depression, men are more likely to commit suicide. In 2005, the suicide rate for males was 21.5 per 100,000 compared to 7.8 per 100,000 for females. This was a decrease of 3.3 per 100,000 for males compared to 1995, though in the intervening period the male suicide rate had reached a peak of 27.1 per 100,000 in 2002. The fluctuations in the female suicide rate were much smaller over this period, remaining between 7.5 per 100,000 and 8.2 per 100,000.
We know that the male suicide rate is often linked to alcohol and problem drug misuse, which also disproportionately impacts on young men.
Our objectives
Our objectives are to ensure that all providers of care, and the public more generally, adopt behaviours which support and embrace the agenda around promoting gender equality, non-discrimination, social inclusion and equal rights. We will gender equality impact assess our mental health services embedded in recovery orientated procedures. We want to ensure that staff and peer workers are properly trained to understand the gendered nature of mental health issues and we want to ensure that we can develop robust mechanisms to measure progress. We want to see a reduction in the numbers of women and men experiencing poor mental health and we want to see a reduction in the numbers of women and men who take their own lives.
Coronary Heart Disease / Stroke
CHD and stroke together form a national priority for the Scottish Executive. We have already set ourselves a national target of reducing the death rate from heart disease in people under 75 by 60% between 1995 and 2010 (this has already been set in the White Paper Towards a Healthier Scotland) - and to reduce the under 75 death rate from stroke by 50% between 1995 and 2010. Prevention and treatment are linked to equity of access and quality of care. We want an integrated, fast and effective sequence of care, from the community to general practice to district general hospital and to cardiac centres if need be. We want to provide equitable access to care and to match clinical resources to clinical need. As an immediate response, we have prioritised the reduction of inequalities of care related to geography and to social deprivation by ensuring equitable delivery and uptake of services.
What we already know
We know that there is a relationship between socio-economic deprivation and high levels of CHD. Although overall mortality from CHD is falling, the death rate in men aged under 65 in the most deprived communities is still more than double that in the least deprived. Much of this difference is explained by differences in risk factor prevalence, particularly the high rates of cigarette smoking in more deprived areas. We know that CHD particularly impacts on men, but that women are also affected. There are particular areas of concern regarding the long term impact of smoking which is disproportionately evident amongst young women rather than young men.
Our objectives
We will ensure that gender equality is embedded into our frameworks, structures and policies for tackling CHD and Stroke. We will ensure that our collection, analysis and reporting of relevant data is also robust and underpins our action in this area. We want to see the numbers of men and women dying of CHD and Stroke reduced.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Gender Equality Duty Action Plan
Please identify key policy areas where the department is or will take forward gender equality |
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Policy | Action | By whom | By when | Outcome expected |
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Cancer |
Gender differences in premature mortality remain. The mortality rate for cancer for men under 75 is 159 per 100,000 in 2005, compared to 126 per 100,000 for women. We have agreed with our Fair for All - Gender partner, the Equal Opportunities Commission ( EOC), to focus our activity on our key clinical priorities, starting with cancer services. Research has been commissioned to gather evidence of the inequalities that different groups face in epidemiology, accessing services, experience of services and outcomes in relation to the design, development and delivery of cancer services. Information from existing research, a new SEHD health inequalities database and our Fair for All - Gender partnership will form the evidence base for this work. Additionally, evidence from research funded by the Health Department at the Scottish Cancer Centre on patient experience and involvement will form a substantial part of the baseline evidence. | We have already drawn up a detailed plan, to be agreed with the EOC, for implementation across the Health Department/ NHSScotland in 2007-08. | Patients and Quality Division, Healthcare Planning Division; Staff Governance Unit, Diversity Task Force and Fair for All initiatives | December 2006 | Action Plan to mainstream gender equality across services, beginning with Cancer service pilot. |
A research project has commenced to draw together evidence on inequalities men and women face in relation to cancer services. | | December 2006 | A resource providing evidence of inequalities experienced by men and women using cancer services. |
We will support key stakeholders, eg, cancer leads, in Impact Assessing their policy and in reviewing how to promote equality for men and women. Joint work with other UK health departments. | | Ongoing | Equality Impact Assessed policy sets expectations for delivery of equitable and fair cancer services across NHS Scotland, including health improvement activity. |
Work with Scottish Cancer Group, regional cancer networks, patient and staff groups involved in the design, development and delivery of cancer services, to identify outcomes. | As above | Ongoing | Share/develop best practice/learning. |
Work with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland ( QIS) to Impact Assess clinical standards/guidelines specific focus and review how they can promote equality for men and women. | NHSQIS | Ongoing | Improved access and outcomes for patients by ensuring there is no bias against either sex or against transgender men and women. |
Work with the Scottish Health Council ( SHC) to measure the impact through annual assessment of NHS Boards. | SHC | Ongoing | Evidence of improved outcomes and patient experience. |
Mental Health |
In Scotland, as in the rest of the UK (Palmer et al, 2003) mental health problems affect more women than men. The incidence and prevalence of depression and anxiety is higher among women than men. Suicide was the leading cause of death among Scots men aged 15 - 34 in 2000 The recently published Equal Minds report brought together evidence of gender inequalities in mental health and laid out the implications for policy and practice. A new Mental Health Delivery Plan is currently being developed (due for completion Dec 06) and will ensure promoting gender equality is a key element. | Work to ensure all providers of care and the public more generally adopt behaviours which support and embrace the agenda around promoting gender equality, non-discrimination, social inclusion and equal rights. | National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing and Mental Health Division | Ongoing | Tackle discrimination and prejudice in Scottish society that impact on mental health inequalities and in mental health services to address behaviours and attitudes. |
Gender Equality Impact Assessment of mental health services embedded in recovery orientated procedures. | Mental Health Division | Ongoing | Improved mental health of both men and women. |
Training for staff and peer workers to recognise and respond to inequalities, including gender equality. | As above | Ongoing | Improvement in experience of services. |
Develop robust mechanism to measure progress. | As above | Ongoing | Evidence of improved service outcomes. |
Coronary Heart Disease/ Stroke ( CHD/Stroke) |
Gender differences in premature mortality remain, in respect of CHD, Mortality rates for men under 75 is 102 per 100,000, compared 36 per 100,000 for women. Stroke mortality rates do not differ substantially for males and females. We have agreed with our Fair for All - Gender partners that our work will focus on our key clinical priorities, including CHD/Stroke. Research commissioned to gather evidence of the inequalities facing different groups in epidemiology, accessing services, experience of services and outcomes in relation to the design, development and delivery of CHD/Stroke services, building on our current anticipatory care model Keep well. Information from our newly developed health inequalities database and from our Fair for All - Gender partnership with the EOC will provide additional evidence for this work. | We have already drawn up a detailed plan, to be agreed with the EOC, for implementation across the Health Department/ NHS Scotland in 2007-08. | Patients and Quality Division, Healthcare Planning Division; Staff Governance Unit, Diversity Task Force and Fair for All initiatives | December 2006 | Action Plan to mainstream gender equality, initially focussing on Cancer before moving on to CHD/Stroke. |
A research project has commenced to draw together the available evidence on gender inequalities in relation to CHD/Stroke services. | | December 2006 | A resource providing evidence of inequalities experienced by men and women in CHD/Stroke. |
We will work with CHD/Stroke leads to ensure equality impact assessment of policy. | As above | Ongoing | Equality Impact Assessed Policy will set the expectations for delivery of equitable and fair services across NHS Scotland, including health improvement activity. |
We will learn from our work on Cancer will inform further actions. | As above | 2008 | Improved outcomes and service experience. |
Patient Focus Public Involvement ( PFPI) |
As part of our PFPI policy area we entered into a partnership with the EOC in Mar 06 to support NHSScotland understand and respond to gender equality in line with the Gender Equality Duty. FFA - Gender aims to enable NHS Scotland to address issues in relation to gender equality in order to develop best practice that reaches beyond a GED compliance model. The overarching objective is to improve gender sensitivity, choice and inclusion of men and women through ongoing development of the equality and diversity approach to gender in NHS Scotland. The initiative is part of Fair for All ( FFA) the Wider Challenge initiative being implemented by the Scottish Executive Health Department and has focused on mainstreaming gender issues across NHSScotland. | We will develop and implement gender and health guidance to support SEHD/ NHS Scotland mainstream gender equality issues across all policies and functions. | Patients and Quality Division and Fair for All - Gender. | Ongoing | Mainstream gender equality in relation to service delivery across NHSScotland. |
We will quality assure NHS Board gender equality schemes; share good practice and provide targeted support to NHS Boards. | Fair for All - Gender | January 2007 | Improved access and outcomes. |
We will support NHS Boards engage with men and women in the design, development and delivery of their services and functions. | Fair for All - Gender | Ongoing | Improved patient experience. |
We will support national Boards; eh NHSQIS etc in mainstreaming gender equality into their work. | Fair for All - Gender. | Ongoing. | Gender equality is built into all aspects of NHS. |
Advocacy |
NHS Boards are required to work with their planning partners to ensure that independent advocacy is available to all who need that support. Under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) 2003 every person with a mental disorder has a right of access to independent advocacy. SEHD fund the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance ( SIAA) to provided advice and support to service commissioners and providers. | We will update guidance to NHS Boards to ensure that local provision meets the identified need for advocacy and that men, women and transgender people who need access to independent advocacy are supported to be involved in the planning and design of the services they use. | Patients and Quality Division and Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance | Summer 2007 | Improved access for men, women and transgender people to independent advocacy. |
We will work with NHSQIS and SHC to ensure that their standards/guidance and assessment of NHS Boards service delivery meets the identified local need for independent advocacy. | As above | Ongoing | Improved patient experience. |
Domestic Abuse |
Domestic abuse predominantly affects women and the Scottish Executive's strategy to tackle domestic abuse is set in a wider policy of tackling violence against women. It is considered by gender equality experts to be the most significant issue in relation to women's health. It is estimated that between a quarter and a third of all women in Scotland experience abuse at some point in their lives. We know that women who have experienced abuse are; five times more likely to attempt suicide; three times more likely to be diagnosed as depressed or experiencing a psychotic illness; 15 times more likely to abuse alcohol, and; nine times more likely to abuse drugs. | We will review existing strategy and guidance for NHS Scotland practitioners. We will review existing monitoring mechanisms to ensure guidance is being implemented effectively. | Child and Maternal Health Unit and Patients and Quality Division | 2007 -08 | NHS Scotland fully understands and can respond to issues of domestic abuse with up to date. |
We will contribute to the Executive's multi-agency partnership to ensure domestic abuse is addressed across the public sector. | Patients and Quality Division. | As above. | Guidance. |
Agenda For Change |
AfC is a major Change Programme in the NHS which will modernise pay structures, assist service delivery of patient care, aid recruitment and retention and allow for personal development of staff. | We will implement Agenda for Change to ensure that staff receive equal pay for work of equal value. | Head of Pay Policy | With effect from 1 October 2004 | Gender equality proofed pay structure. |
Careers Campaign | Positive portrayal - challenging gender and other stereotypes.. Promotes positive career choices in NHS Scotland for a wider talent pool. | Reputation and Attraction Unit | End July 2007 | Improved awareness of job roles within health by wider talent pool. |
Diversity in Leadership | To establish a resource tool to promote diversity in leadership and increase knowledge across NHS Scotland. | Reputation and Attraction Unit | Ongoing | Improved gender balance at senior levels in NHSS. |
Ministerial Action Group on Maternity Services | Consultation of women across all across all communities (race, age, disability, faith) to ensure that needs are met. | Child and Maternal Health Unit | Ongoing | Ensuring that appropriate treatment is received and discrimination is eliminated. |
Infant Feeding Strategy | Consultation from a range of communities regarding their opinions on breastfeeding. | Child and Maternal Health Unit | 2007 | Identify best practise and improve individual experience. |
Smoking Prevention. | A new five year Smoking Prevention Action Plan is to be developed and will address the higher incidence of smoking among teenage girls compared to teenage boys. | Public Health and Substance Misuse Division | 2007 | Improved health outcomes that have taken full account of gendered differences. |
Smoking in pregnancy | Work to reduce incidence of smoking in pregnancy particularly for those in lower socio-economic groups where smoking prevalence is highest. | Public Health and Substance Misuse Division | Ongoing | Improved health outcomes. |
Tackling Alcohol Misuse |
We know that alcohol impacts on women and men in different ways. We know too that women's alcohol consumption has been steadily rising and that more women are suffering from alcohol problems which impact negatively on their health. We know too that men drink more than women and that this impacts negatively upon their health. | We will fund the Gender Issues Network on Alcohol to raise awareness of specific impacts of alcohol misuse in women. More generally we are developing our evidence base including specific work to ensure that we can clarify differing impacts and causes of alcohol problems. | Public Health and Substance Misuse Division | Ongoing | Improved health outcomes. |
Sexual health strategy |
We want to improve the quality, range and consistency, accessibility and cohesion of sexual health services. We want to support everyone in Scotland, regardless of faith, ethnicity, gender, age or disability, to acquire and maintain the knowledge, skills and values necessary for good sexual wellbeing and thus avoid sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. We want to positively influence those cultural and social factors that impact on sexual health. | The sexual health strategy contains recommendations which seek to ensure that neither women nor men are disadvantaged with a particular emphasis on inequalities, including gender inequalities. | Public Health and Substance Misuse Division (Sexual Health Policy) | Ongoing | Improved health outcomes. |
Arrangements for delivering the general duty to promote gender equality. |
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| Action | By whom | By when | Outcome expected |
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1. What arrangements will you put in place to ensure that your policies, services, functions pay due regard to the need to eliminate any unlawful discrimination between women and men? | We will build impact assessment into our workforce policies. | Associate Directors for Workforce | Ongoing | Improved policy making and implementation and evaluation. |
We will roll out awareness sessions on the implications of the gender equality duty and gender and health across SEHD with Fair for All - Gender supporting NHS Boards. | Executive's Equality Unit and Patients and Quality Division | End Mar 07 | Policies and functions that take account of gender equality. |
We will gender equality impact assess all new and reviewed policies before submission to HD Management Board level. | Heads of Division | Ongoing | Policies and functions designed to deliver better outcomes for men and women. |
We will pilot NHS Complaints equalities monitoring procedure. | Patients and Quality Division | April 2007 | Targeted action to address any incident of discrimination. |
We will continue Fair for All - Gender partnership and develop formal links to gender groups to ensure effective communication with SEHD/ NHS Scotland. | Fair for All - Gender | Ongoing | Needs of men and women are included in all HD policy and planning. |
We will implement Fair for All - Gender Guidance across SEHD and NHS Scotland. | Fair for All - Gender | Ongoing | Mainstreaming gender equality across HD and NHS Scotland. |
2. What arrangements will you put in place to ensure that your policies, services, functions are able to pay due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity between women and men? | We will impact assess all new and reviewed policies before submission to Management Board level to identify actions to promote equality and good relations between men and women. | Heads of Division | Ongoing | Improved access, outcomes and patient experience. |
We will ensure that gender equality is explicit in Health Department Business plan. | Heads of Division | Ongoing | As above. |
We will work with NHS National Support Services to implement national programme of patient monitoring. | NHSNSS | Ongoing | Identify need within services. |
We will promote gender equality and portray men and women positively at SEHD events and in SEHD publications. | Heads of Division | Ongoing | Ensure men and women, including are seen positively and negative stereotypes are challenged. |
We will ensure that the Scottish Health Council builds gender equality into NHS Boards Patient Focus Public Involvement assessment. | Scottish Health Council | Ongoing | Evidence that actions are achieving positive outcomes for men, women accessing NHS services. |
Where appropriate, we will gather and utilise information (research, consultation, national surveys etc) that takes due account of gender. | Analytical Services Division | Ongoing | Where appropriate and relevant health information and evidence includes a gendered analysis. |
We will develop a health inequalities research database online to support actions. | Analytical Services Division | Ongoing | Policy makers informed of the needs of men and women, where appropriate and relevant. |
We will develop a PEDA process to carry out pre-expenditure and delivery assessments, which includes confirmation that an impact assessment has been carried out. | Analytical Services Division | November 2007 | As above. |
3. How will you identify gender equality goals and outcomes for your area of work? | We will work with Fair for All - Gender, Equal Opportunities Commission, national gender organisations and NHS Boards to develop co-ordinated mechanisms for engaging and consulting with relevant organisations on gender goals and outcomes. | Patients and Quality Division | Ongoing | Identification and prioritisation of outcomes and goals that will have the most significant impact on gender equality. |
We will identify priorities from our developing evidence base of issues that have a significant impact on gender equality. | Analytical Services Division | Ongoing | Evidence for targeted interventions to improve gender equality. |
We will work with the Executive Equality Unit to ensure a co-ordinated and joined up approach to national engagement and involvement of gender stakeholders. | Patients and Quality Division | Ongoing | Joining up our activity and supporting community capacity to engage with this agenda. |
We will establish key performance indicator's from national stats available from Workforce Planning and Staff Survey and other sources. | Workforce Directorate | Ongoing | Baselines are available and progress will be monitored; e.g. women 82% of workforce: 19% of Chief Executives. |
We will Implement the recommendation in the review of Health and Care Statistics in Scotland that more detailed analysis by equality strand be undertaken. | Analytical Services Division and Information Services Division | 2007 | Evidence of better access and outcomes. |
We will ensure that data on the gender profile of nursing and midwifery students collected and analysed. | Directorate of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions | Ongoing | Improved understanding of the profile. |
4. How will you ensure that employees, stakeholders and/or service users are consulted in the process of setting gender equality goals and outcomes for your area of work? | We will embed Gender Equality Impact Assessment into policy making, employees, stakeholders and service users will be routinely and systematically involved in identification of priorities, goals and outcomes. For the policy areas outlined above there will be enhanced activity on engaging with gender stakeholders to determine effective ways of working. | Heads of Division, Workforce Directorate, Patients and Quality Division | Ongoing | Outcomes that promote gender equality built into all policies and functions. |
We will equality proof our consultation guidance to ensure gender stakeholders can contribute fully to public consultation exercises. | Patients and Quality Division and SE Equality Unit | April 2007 | Gender stakeholders are routinely able to contribute to consultations. |
We will ensure effective involvement of staff and take due regard of gender representation and consult national NHS groups with a responsibility for promoting equality. | Staff Governance Unit and Heads of Division | As above | Evidence of effective consultation and monitoring mechanisms in place. |
5. What arrangements will you put in place to ensure that we are able to report on progress on an annual basis? | We will participate in Executive's Equality Scheme Implementation Group. | SE Equality Unit and Patients and Quality Division | Ongoing | Develop a framework and timescale for reporting. Gender equality mainstreamed into core business functions. Outcomes are being achieved and reporting is planned and on-time. |
We will include in annual business planning arrangements with outcomes monitored and reported annually. | As above | April 2007 | As above. |
We will ensure that the gender profile of workforce included in national workforce plan. We will analyse national staff survey results by gender | Workforce Planning Unit and Staff Governance Unit | April 2007 | As above. |
We will monitor, through reporting by HEI at annual review, pre-registration nursing and midwifery education. | Directorate of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions | Ongoing | As above. |
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