National health charity Voluntary Health Scotland has today launched its manifesto for health creation, calling on politicians to “urgently” address widening health inequalities and create a formal partnership between charity health leaders, the NHS, local authorities and the government.

Ahead of next year’s Scottish parliament election, Voluntary Health Scotland (VHS) has outlined clear asks of future MSPs and the next government which it says align with the government’s population health framework.

The manifesto, launched at an event in the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh this morning, calls for health equity to be a core, cross-cutting government priority.

VHS, a membership body for third sector health organisations, is calling on Scotland’s political parties to safeguard the third sector so it can continue to provide vital health and care support across the country.

The charity says its members have experienced a “perfect storm” of rising costs, stagnating income and increased demand and are now at breaking point as they face an uncertain future.

It calls for the creation of a formal, long-term partnership between the Scottish government, NHS Scotland local authorities and the third sector which acknowledges the third sector as an equal partner.

Introducing the manifesto, VHS Chief Executive Tejesh Mistry, said delivering what they are asking for would help reduce health inequalities and refocus Scotland’s health systems on preventing ill health:

“Scotland’s health is at a critical juncture and health inequalities continue to widen. As such, we are delighted to launch this manifesto which was developed in partnership with our members.

“For too long, Scotland’s been on the wrong side of the leadership boards when it comes to health. Everything from drug deaths to children’s dental care to homelessness – we need to do more.

“We urge all of Scotland’s political parties to engage with Voluntary Health Scotland, and to prioritise health creation in next year’s election and beyond.”

VHS is also urging Scotland’s next leaders to improve national health data, commit to social prescribing models, and deliver targeted interventions to address unpaid carer health inequalities.

The manifesto says person-centred solutions must be identified and implemented for recording and managing patient data in ways that empower people to share their health information with a range of health practitioners.

VHS Policy and Public Affairs Lead Sarah Latto told the launch event:

“It’s still not quite clear whether the MyCare app being rolled out will enable patients to share their data with those involved in their health and care, especially so that patients don’t have to reshare their story again and again.

“We want to see the cross-party consensus on long-term conditions and health landscape required to improve health in Scotland and so we can have the continuity to deliver change.

“An inclusive policy narrative that doesn’t reinforce harmful stereotypes is needed – particularly when it comes to mental health.”

To create such a narrative and a healthier future, VHS says Scotland’s leaders must ensure decision-making processes meaningfully and sensitively engage people with lived experience and recognise the role of the third sector in designing and delivering preventative health services.

VHS says, to ensure these organisations can keep reaching those most in need, the next government must commit to long-term, sustainable funding of services like the community link worker network.

For people with long-term conditions, the manifesto calls on Scotland’s next leaders to commit to ensuring all have access to tailored treatment, advice, support, rehabilitation and palliative care.

Chief Executive Tejesh Mistry added:

“It seems to be the best kept secret that the third sector is vital in the preventative health space, reducing health inequalities and what it means to actually change lives on the ground.

“But, it’s not that simple, we need to be active, optimistic and engaged.

“This is the starting point – there’s a long way to go, but I’m really looking forward to collaborating with our members, politicians and the public to bring forward the change needed.”

Read more: Health and charity leaders join forces for NHS reform; Third sector – not third in line; Voluntary health and care: a sector in crisis?; Shocking' A&E figures require action; Ten-year low in Scots healthy life expectancy; All public bodies must focus on health, urges charity; Scotland’s ‘invisible’ patients and carers; The in-between: what's happened to social care reform?; Partnership urges action over Scotland's mental health

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