Yesterday’s Programme for Government had – alongside transitioning to net-zero – an obvious focus on health and social care. The response has of course been mixed, with some charities decrying further delays to legislation first promised in 2019, while others have welcomed significant funding boosts with open arms.

Here, healthandcare.scot takes a look at some of the reactions of organisations and individuals working within the sector.

 

Proposed £500m investment in a ‘Whole Family Wellbeing Fund’ a “hugely welcome step forward”

Children 1st is pleased that help and support for children and their families have been prioritised by the government.

Their Chief Executive, Mary Glasgow, says her organisation is “committed to…turning this significant investment into practical action”.

However, Barnardo’s Scotland and CPAG Scotland were disappointed that government “missed the opportunity” to double the Scottish Child Payment – a move the charities believe is the only credible route to meeting child poverty targets and improving health and wellbeing for the most deprived.

 

Commitment to deliver a new palliative and end of life care strategy “welcome”

Marie Curie’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs in Scotland, Richard Meade says this is promising but the strategy “must be grounded by a whole-system approach” that allows care providers and the third sector to work together to ensure the best possible outcomes for terminally ill people and their families.

Children’s Hospice Association Scotland also welcomes the commitment to sustainable funding solution for palliative care – a major concern in the sector.

However, Marie Curie urges the Scottish government to act swiftly and “start the consultation process without delay”.

 

Junk food legislation delays are a “blow” to efforts to tackle obesity

Concerns over lack of urgency is a recurring theme.Andy Glyde, Cancer Research UK’s Senior External Affairs Manager in Scotland welcomes the commitment to introduce legislation to restrict supermarket junk food prices, following the charity’s recent report on non-communicable diseases, but is troubled over the speed of the proposed bill.

Legislation would not be considered further until the 2022-23 parliamentary sitting at the earliest. Legislation was previously promised in the 2019 Programme for Government but was later shelved because of the pandemic.

Mr Glyde says: “Obesity is the second-biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking, so immediate action to help us all eat healthier diets is vital.

“In England, measures to restrict supermarket price promotions on junk food could come into force as early as next year. Yet in Scotland, where we have the worst weight problem in the UK, it’s frustrating there’s not similar urgency.

“Every hold-up in introducing these measures comes at the expense of Scotland’s health and life chances, as well as adding to the ever-growing burden on the NHS.

“The delay in introducing these measures is disappointing and comes as a blow to the Scottish Government’s own target of halving childhood obesity by 2030. The time to act is now.”

Obesity Action Scotland were similarly “deeply disappointed” that the bill will not be introduced this year.

The recommitment to the Good Food Nation Bill this year was welcomed by Nourish Scotland who see this as a promising step in food system change to bring a healthier and more sustainable food system in Scotland.

 

“Public health “at the heart of Scotland’s recovery from the covid-19 pandemic”

Chief Executive of Public Health Scotland, Angela Leitch, believes the government has recognised the importance of continuing health protection measures, and “commits to addressing the public health challenges and inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic.”

 

Other stakeholders were optimistic for what the Programme meant for their service users and public health.

The commitment to triple active travel funding was welcomed by Cycling UK in Scotland, who said plans to boost cycling, walking and wheeling need “speedy progress” to see change at local levels. Paths for All also welcomed the doubling of investment in sport and active living.

The Perinatal and Mental Health Fund says it is “good to hear” that overall mental health service support was a key focus in the Programme.

Sight Scotland welcomes the investment in community health services and pledge for a new Edinburgh eye hospital.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotand were pleased at the commitment to improve care for long covid and to improve access to rehabilitation other support services, following their long campaign for such clinics.

 

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