The Scottish Government determines national policies and objectives for health and health services. It provides a clear statutory and financial framework for NHS Scotland and holds it to account for its performance. It also sets policies for public health and health improvement.
In particular, strategic information on the following is available:
- The Government's Action Plan for Health and Wellbeing, Better Heath Better Care, which sets out a range of measures to improve health and healthcare in Scotland and reports on progress with implementation.
- Improving Health initiatives, which include programmes relating to smoking related issues, treating and preventing cancer, the nation's diet, sexual health, promoting physical activity, mental health and wellbeing, Community eye care services, drug and alcohol abuse, audiology, and primary care services in deprived areas.
- NHS Scotland - information about the structure of the NHS in Scotland, how it is funded, and how its performance is measured .which includes a List of NHS Boards in Scotland, performance information, NHS Dentistry, Healthcare Associated Infection (HIA), the Chief Medical Officer, NHS Scotland workforce, nursing and midwifery, prescribing responsibilities to non-medical professions, improving healthcare services for patients, Healthcare Science etc. Through links to the SHOW (Scotland's Health on the Web) website, guidance to NHS Boards and NHS Board publications, reports and deliver plans can also be found.
- Community Care, which includes initiatives on free personal and nursing care, care services for older people, delayed discharge, adult support and protection, integrated delivery of services, National Care Standards, and equipment and adaptations.
Where the information within this class can be located
This class of information can be located within the ' Health and Community Care' section of the Scottish Government website or through one of the alternative routes described under section 5 of this scheme.