It was standing room only at the SHA Scotland fringe meeting at this
year's Scottish Labour Party Conference. Over 40 delegates were
present when SHA Scotland Vice-Chair Dave Watson launched our
Principles for a Healthy Scotland paper.
The theme for the fringe was a longer term look at health policy as
the Scottish Labour Party begins its policy review for the 2007
manifesto.
Former MSP John McAllion gave a provocative contribution on the
value of free health care with a broad international perspective. He
called on the Scottish Parliament to use the tax varying powers and
move away from the privatisation of the service through PPP.
Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm MSP argued for a broad health
agenda that tackled health inequalities. He cited the radical
improvements the Executive had made. The NHS was "socialism in
action" and there was now clear blue water between Labour and the
Tories on health.
Both speakers recognised that service redesign was going to be a
major issue facing the NHSiS. There was considerable debate over
how to involve patients in the running of the NHS and how greater
accountability could by built in. John highlighted tensions between
the public and health professionals that had to be addressed through
'bottom up' solutions. Malcolm highlighted structural reform in the
NHS Reform Bill.
A range of issues were raised from the floor from smoking policy,
funding and the role of local authorities.
The Chair closed the meeting by encouraging delegates to contribute
to the policy review.
