"We have, within our
grasp, the chance to make significant improvements to the
health and sense of well-being of the people of
Scotland."
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| Chapter
9 Conclusion |
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| 126. We have, within our grasp, the chance to
make significant improvements to the health and sense of
well-being of the people of Scotland. This White Paper
defines priorities and targets for better health. It sets
out plans, identifies funds, and describes mechanisms for
implementation. It is realistic, recognising that
improvements in health and well-being depend heavily on
socio-economic factors and the quality of the environment
in which people live. This is why such emphasis has been
laid on life circumstances in addition to more specific
action on priority lifestyles and health topics. The
Scottish Parliament and the Executive, with their
wide-ranging powers in relation to factors which impact
on health, will be well placed to take decisions which
will move us along the way to a healthier Scotland. |
| 127. Poverty, deprivation and disadvantage exact
an enormous toll on the health of the people of Scotland.
This White Paper refers repeatedly to the overriding
importance of tackling health inequality and describes a
comprehensive and co-ordinated use of health resources,
relevant agencies and a raft of social and economic
measures which will sustain the drive for better health
for all of our people. The Government make no apology for
attempting to use every possible resource in our drive to
seize every gain for health as we approach the new
millennium. |
| 128. This White Paper lays great emphasis on the
need to secure and sustain good health for all of our
children and young people, appreciating that investment
in the early years can transform their expectations and
quality of life. The Government are determined to combine
the excellence of our National Health Service with major
initiatives to prevent the diseases which make such a
huge contribution to Scotland's health deficit and cause
so much suffering. This is why we have focused yet more
resource in the prevention of our two main killing
diseases, coronary heart disease and cancer. But, at the
same time, this White Paper is not just about preventing
death and disease: it is also deeply concerned with
improving and sustaining the health and well-being of all
Scots from all walks of life. |
| 129. Making good the policies in the
White Paper is not just a challenge for Government. It is
also a major challenge for the National Health Service
through its Health Improvement Programmes, support for
local initiatives, work with other agencies and above
all, its contact with people. It is a challenge for local
authorities, as powerful drivers of change for health;
and for voluntary, private and community organisations.
But it is also a challenge for individuals in the
community who can do so much to improve and safeguard
their own health. |
| 130. When we wrote the Green Paper and took it on
the road, there was a generous response. People were
willing to look ahead to identify new opportunities for
health gain and develop new projects and partnerships to
achieve desired objectives. The White Paper reflects that
sense of opportunity and the Government ask that every
organisation, agency and individual that can help does
so, working together in a concerted drive towards a
healthier Scotland. |
