A wake-up call for Scotland’s health

Government excuses will fall on deaf ears as public health expert says nation is getting sicker, with poor hardest hit

The intervention today by Public Health Scotland chief executive Paul Johnston should not fall upon deaf ears.

He writes that the health of Scotland – which already has the lowest life expectancy in Western Europe – is getting worse, and called for a preventative approach to be taken, warning the burden of disease from an ageing population is likely to grow.

Meanwhile, the life expectancy gap between the richest and poorest is growing.

Mr Johnston says the NHS cannot deal with the issue alone and wideranging improvements around poverty, work, education, housing and other areas are needed: “Tackling poverty impacts on health, as does the availability of good work, high-quality education and childcare, affordable housing, addressing climate change, and tackling racism.”

He goes on: “We must be bold and brave in the face of the health challenges we face.”

The link between poverty and health outcomes is inextricable.

Recent figures showed 385,554 patients in the most deprived areas attended A&E, compared to 202,259 of their more affluent counterparts – a difference of 183,295.

More children from deprived backgrounds were referred to Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) last year – 26.4 per cent from the most vulnerable communities compared with 15.7 per cent from areas with the least deprivation.

There was also a higher prevalence of coronary heart disease among the most deprived, 78 per cent more than their affluent counterparts. Cancer mortality rates were also 74 per cent higher.

The SNP government will point to Westminster austerity, the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, but after 17 years in power such excuses no longer wash. Issues which have impacted on every country cannot explain Scotland’s dire position as the sick man of Europe.

What is desperately needed, as Mr Johnston says today, is a joined-up, focused approach to begin to turn the tide.