| The Oxford University cancer specialist Professor David Kerr leads the team that includes Peter Bates, who temporarily stepped aside from his position as chairman of NHS Tayside to take on a top job at the Scottish Executive health department.
The independent Advisory Group developing a framework for the future of the NHS in Scotland is holding the first of a series of meetings at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall on Wednesday.
During December, the group will also be visiting Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness.
Professor Kerr, one of the world’s leading cancer specialists, has been joined by health care professionals and community representatives appointed by the health minister to lead the project.
They say they want as many people as possible to become involved.
Professor Kerr says the public can make a major contribution to the group’s work.
“We believe it is essential to discuss with the public, NHS staff, and community groups how and where health care services should be provided in the new century,” he said.
“There is a great deal in NHS Scotland that works extremely well, and we must build on that.
“But there are also significant challenges to be dealt with. For example, in some parts of the country there are concerns about the future of local services. I believe that proper planning could mean more care being available closer to people’s homes.
“There is considerable scope for expanding community-based health services through new treatments and technologies. But where the evidence is clear that specialist centres are best for patients, we have to be able to provide them.
“It is not about change for change’s sake. Since I qualified as a doctor at Glasgow University in 1980 I have seen the NHS undergo repeated reforms. What we need to ensure this time is that the plans will be firmly based on the views of staff, and those who use the NHS; in other words the people of Scotland.
“Working together, I have no doubt that we can ensure Scotland’s health service will adapt and flourish.”
More meetings are being planned for the new year. The group is aware that there are many rural areas from which it is difficult to travel to a major centre, and this will be taken into consideration as future locations are planned.
The meeting in the Caird Hall starts at 7 pm.
People unable to attend a meeting can still share their views.
They can write to the National Planning Team at Freepost Plus RLRS EHHE-JTXC, Room GE.16, St Andrews House, Edinburgh EH1 3DG.
Alternatively, e-mail nhsfuturedebate@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Additional information is available by logging on to the website — www.show.scot.nhs.uk/sehd/national framework |
