Today marks my final day with VHS and, although my time here has been relatively brief, a lot has happened in the past 8 months in health policy world and there’s lots more coming up too. It seems appropriate to wrap things up by highlighting some key areas of work on the VHS radar over the coming … [Read more...] about Catherine’s blog – some parting words…
VHS study – scoping community links workers
The Scottish Government has commissioned VHS to carry out a scoping exercise to inform the development of a national Community Link Workers programme. This is to honour the SNP 2016 election manifesto pledge: ‘Scotland’s most deprived communities need additional support, so we will recruit at least … [Read more...] about VHS study – scoping community links workers
VHS Membership Survey 2016 – Results Report
In May 2016, VHS sent out a membership survey to its 156 member organisations. 87 completed surveys were received, covering 57 member organisations (37% response rate). A small number of surveys were completed anonymously - those completed in this way are not included in the organisational … [Read more...] about VHS Membership Survey 2016 – Results Report
Catherine’s blog – Realistic medicine: I thought the doctor(s) knew best too…
"Doctors generally choose less treatment for themselves than they provide for their patients" That's what Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Catherine Calderwood highlighted to delegates at the final plenary of the NHS Scotland Event 2016. Realistic medicine at its most basic, is about doctors and … [Read more...] about Catherine’s blog – Realistic medicine: I thought the doctor(s) knew best too…
Claire’s Blog – Measuring the Success of the Government’s Health Debate
Cabinet Secretary for Health Shona Robison led the Scottish Government’s Parliamentary debate on health on Tuesday 7th June. VHS went along to the public gallery to listen, mainly to hear the Cabinet Secretary but also to get the measure of our new MSPs’ interest and perspectives on health. Shona … [Read more...] about Claire’s Blog – Measuring the Success of the Government’s Health Debate
VHS Briefing Paper for Scottish Government debate 7th June 2016: Taking Scotland Forward – delivering a healthier Scotland
Ahead of today's (7th June 2016) Scottish Government debate, Taking Scotland Forward - delivering a healthier Scotland, VHS has sent MSPs the below briefing paper which highlights key points to note from the voluntary health sector. VHS MSP Briefing Paper 7th June 2016 - Taking Scotland Forward - … [Read more...] about VHS Briefing Paper for Scottish Government debate 7th June 2016: Taking Scotland Forward – delivering a healthier Scotland
Catherine’s Blog: Purple Poncho Players steal the show at the Alliance Annual Conference 2016
A welcome alternative from a full day's powerpoint marathon, kudos goes to the Alliance for mixing up the usual conference format and opening the show with some hard-hitting drama. With no disrespect meant to the various other conference presenters, I would hasten a guess that it's the … [Read more...] about Catherine’s Blog: Purple Poncho Players steal the show at the Alliance Annual Conference 2016
National Clinical Strategy – VHS Summary May 2016
In February 2016 The Scottish Government published A National Clinical Strategy for Scotland. VHS has summarised the Strategy to give voluntary health audiences an overview of the key changes proposed for health services in Scotland over the next 15 years. VIEW VHS SUMMARY - A NATIONAL … [Read more...] about National Clinical Strategy – VHS Summary May 2016
Scottish Parliament CPG on Health Inequalities – Summary Report of Meetings Held September 2015-February 2016
VHS has compiled a brief overview of presentations and discussions which have taken place at the CPG on Health Inequalities since September 2015. Contributions have been diverse and informative, and have generated significant engagement from attendees. Notably, attendance has increased … [Read more...] about Scottish Parliament CPG on Health Inequalities – Summary Report of Meetings Held September 2015-February 2016
Catherine’s Blog – Prevention: Easier Said than Done
It's the buzz word, the in-thing to say when talking about healthcare reform, the great golden ticket to a healthier Scotland. But is it a case of all talk and no - or very little and snail-paced - action? It doesn't take a genius to understand that tackling the root causes of Scotland's … [Read more...] about Catherine’s Blog – Prevention: Easier Said than Done
