PEOPLE from across Scotland have been urged to join a wide ranging debate about the future of health and social care services.
The Scottish Government has launched a "national conversation" about what the NHS should look like in 15 years and opening the first event, in Dundee, Health Secretary Shona Robison encouraged everyone to participate.
A website where people can find out more about what is happening and how they can contribute was also unveiled. In a short film, displayed on the website, Ms Robison says services are fantastic but adds "we know with the challenges of demographics and population health we need to change some of our models of care".
The Herald's NHS: Time for Action campaign repeatedly called for a national debate about the future of healthcare and a plan showing the resources NHS and care services will need to cope with a growing frail, elderly population.
The national conversation, called "Creating a Healthier Scotland", is focusing on three broad questions. These are:
What support do we need in Scotland to live healthier lives?
What areas of health and social care matter most to you?
Thinking about the future of health and social care services, where should our focus be?
Ms Robison said: “I want to seek agreement on how to make more progress in improving the health of the population, and on how our NHS and social care systems should develop by 2030 to continue supporting everyone to live well."
Doctor and patient groups have welcomed the discussion.
Dr Peter Bennie, chair of the British Medical Association in Scotland, said: "It is clear that there are significant pressures facing the NHS now and difficult discussions and decisions will need to take place about what model of healthcare services we need, and how this can be funded, if the NHS is to be sustainable.
“It is absolutely right that this conversation should ask people what they want from their health service and encourage people to live healthier lives, but it is equally important that the conversation confronts the reality of the pressure on doctors, nurses and healthcare workers, now and in the future."
The first event brought together health and care workers, charities, volunteer and patient groups for a cafe-style conversation. The website can be found at http://healthier.scot.
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