A new report from the Institute of Health Equity (IHE), titled A Fairer Healthier Scotland: The Collaboration for Health Equity, has been positively received by Public Health Scotland (PHS). The report highlights the effectiveness of local action, partnership working, and a focus on prevention and health equity in improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities.
The report showcases learning from three Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland (CHES) areas: Aberdeen City, North Ayrshire, and South Lanarkshire. In these regions, PHS has supported partners in applying the Marmot Principles to prioritise health equity in decision-making. Through evidence, insight, and local leadership, these collaborations have led to resource sharing, service redesign, and more integrated approaches to better support individuals, families, and communities.
Despite these positive local developments, the report underscores that health inequalities in Scotland remain significant and deeply entrenched. It calls for a more concerted national effort to address these widening disparities, advocating for coordinated action to make health equity a shared national priority. This priority should be central to policy, public service reform, and decision-making across all sectors, including the Scottish Government, local government, the NHS, businesses, employers, the third sector, and communities.
“"The report from the Institute of Health Equity recognises that change is possible when we work together at a national and local level."
“"Scotland already has important foundations in place. Commitments to prevention through the Programme for Government, alongside the Population Health Framework and important learning from each CHES area with clear evidence that partnership working, prevention and long-term investment can make a difference. Together these provide strong building blocks for further action."
“"Public Health Scotland is committed to working with partners to take forward the six recommendations outlined in the report and help create the conditions for everyone in Scotland to have the opportunity for a healthy life."
