Latest reform news and blogs

Welcome to NHS Health Scotland’s blog. Blog posts are written by our staff, partners and stakeholders. Opinions expressed are those of contributors and do not necessarily reflect the organisation’s views.

Showing 61 results

Growing your own community assets for health
- 06 Sep 2019
- Reform programme
- Allan Johnstone Chief Executive of the Inverclyde Community Trust
With issues of healthy eating and food poverty continuing to make headlines across the country one community has put itself firmly in the driving seat. Inverclyde Community Trust is working with local partners to provide a diverse number of food related projects, all of which help deliver against a number of Scotland’s public health priorities. Allan Johnstone, Chief Executive of the Trust, has more information…

Read more
Measuring success in Scotland’s new landscape for public health
- 30 Aug 2019
- Reform programme
- Lorraine Gillies, Chief Executive of the Scottish Community Safety Network
With partners across the country considering how to embrace public health reform, one of the issues being interrogated is measuring success. While methods will vary from area to area, there are common themes emerging. Lorraine Gillies, Chief Executive of the Scottish Community Safety Network says her organisation is already rising to the challenge…

Read more
Renfrewshire taskforce takes a fresh approach to tackle alcohol and drug use
- 26 Aug 2019
- Reform programme
- Councillor, Jacqueline Cameron, Chair of the Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership’s Alcohol and Drugs Commission
A fresh approach to tackling drug and alcohol abuse in Renfrewshire is now underway, with partners hoping to reverse the trends around this serious public health issue. Councillor, Jacqueline Cameron, Chair of the Renfrewshire Community Planning Partnership’s Alcohol and Drugs Commission, explains more about the new plans…

Read more
Delivering public health improvements through better planning
- 19 Aug 2019
- Reform programme
- Campbell Hart
Creating connected communities is one of the ways currently being used to help deliver Scotland's public health priorities. Place and planning is central areas to Priority 1 'A Scotland where we live in vibrant, healthy and safe places and communities.' This video outlines the major issues, gives practical examples, and signposts areas for future action.

Read more
Embracing collaborative leadership to realise public health reform
- 15 Aug 2019
- Reform programme
- Sally Loudon, COSLA Chief Executive
Partners across Scotland are being encouraged to embrace cultural change to help deliver public health, with effective leadership playing a central role. In the coming months this shift will bring new ways of working, extended partnerships and a new national organisation to the fore. Sally Loudon, COSLA Chief Executive says the time is right to make a change…

Read more
Designing a Public Health Scotland with communities in mind
- 08 Aug 2019
- Reform programme
- Jim McGoldrick, Shadow Chair, Public Health Scotland
The momentum to establish Public Health Scotland is now gathering pace, with the new national body’s shadow chair, now in place. One month into his tenure, Jim McGoldrick reflects on the lessons learned so far and ahead to future challenges…

Read more
Getting to grips with whole system working for improved public health
- 30 Jul 2019
- Reform programme
- Dr Rachel McAdams, Public Health Priorities lead in the Public Health Reform team
The national drive to combat Scotland’s public health challenges and drive down equalities is promoting a new way of working. With a set of nine characteristics in place it’s hoped a whole system approach will help partners across the country make a decisive cultural shift. Dr Rachel McAdams, Public Health Priorities lead in the Public Health Reform team has more…

Read more
Orchestrating our future through innovation in public health in Scotland
- 22 Jul 2019
- Reform programme
- Brendan Faulds, Associate Director, NHS National Services Scotland
The use of data and intelligence in meaningful and impactful ways to promote long term health and well-being will play a central role for the new Public Health Scotland. Alongside this is a need to partner local, regional and national stakeholders early in the innovation process to realise the improvements we need, while reducing inequalities. Brendan Faulds, Associate Director, NHS National Services Scotland outlines his take on the task at hand…

Read more
Empowering communities through the better use of our shared greenspace
- 15 Jul 2019
- Reform programme
- Elaine Caldow, Public Health Programme Lead, NHS Ayrshire & Arran and Chair of the North Ayrshire Green Health Partnership Steering Group
The transformation and use of green space has never been more important. Scotland's Public Health Priorities recognise the importance of the natural environment which not only motivates us to take more regular physical activity but helps to tackle social isolation. The natural environment can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance recovery. Elaine Caldow, Public Health Programme Lead, NHS Ayrshire & Arran and Chair of the North Ayrshire Green Health Partnership Steering Group tells us more…

Read more
National feedback to help shape new Public Health Scotland
- 10 Jul 2019
- Reform programme
- Public Health Reform team
A broad range of organisations with an interest in shaping Scotland’s new organisation for public health have had their say as part of a national consultation. More than 150 submissions were received from across the country, with feedback from partners detailing what they thought the priority areas should be. Read more here...

Read more