15.09.2016
The impact of health inequalities on people in Scotland are one of four strategic priorities that have today been outlined by MSPs on the Health and Sport Committee.
Their strategic plan published today, also includes a commitment to test all activity that the Committee scrutinise against the following: the extent to which it has a prevention focus, long term cost effectiveness and efficiency and the implications of the UK’s EU exit.
The plan will be in place throughout the parliamentary session but will cover a period of 15 years to 2031. This recognises the long term and fundamental change that the health sector will go through and the need for longer term decision making.
Convener of the Committee, Neil Findlay MSP said:
“This is the first time any committee has set out a longer term strategic vision. This comes against the backdrop of fundamental changes in how health care is delivered – from the integration of health and social care to help to deal with our changing demography, to service users being empowered to choose the health care that’s right for them.
“This is also the start of a new parliamentary session which is why we wanted to set out what we want to achieve and prioritise over the next five years. It’s clear that this vision puts party politics aside and is a clear commitment to improve the health of the people of Scotland.
“Our vision puts a marker in the sand to say that health inequalities are so fundamental that they have to be a key part of all of our work. Similarly prevention is vital to ensuring the health sector can direct their resource to those who need it the most.
“This also makes clear that as a Committee we want to involve a broad cross section of people from across Scotland in our work – from carers to those who have direct experience of the health service.”
In its strategic plan, the Committee has outlined that in all its actions, their over-riding aim is to improve the health of the people of Scotland. The Committee will direct their focus on the outcomes being achieved and those proposed and examine and consider the identification and measurement of added value.
In undertaking their work they will be inclusive of all sections of Scottish society, they will be accessible and seek out the views of service users.
In relation to sport and physical exercise the Committee will in addition look at the extent to which access is being widened and activity is reaching and empowering all sections of the community.