CHOOSE – Early Prevention
Scotland’s NHS needs changes that work on the ground. The SNP has set out a clear proposal to introduce local “one stop shop” health hubs across Scotland, offering walk-in checks for lung and heart health in everyday community settings.
These hubs will bring basic preventative healthcare into communities. Instead of expecting people to navigate the system, services will be available in places people already use such as shopping centres, workplaces, football clubs and local pharmacies.
For people aged 35 and over, the hubs will offer lung and heart health MOTs. That means earlier diagnosis and quicker intervention. Conditions like cardiovascular disease, COPD and cancer are more treatable when caught early. The challenge has been getting people checked in time.
This proposal focuses on prevention rather than crisis response. As the population ages, demand on the NHS will increase. Without changes to how care is delivered, pressure on services will continue to grow. Community-based prevention is necessary to manage that demand.
There is existing progress to build on. The cardiovascular prevention programme through GPs is expected to support 100,000 people and identify those at risk. Plans are also in place to begin lung cancer screening pilots from 2027. These hubs would make access to checks easier and more consistent.
Health inequality remains a problem. People in more deprived communities are less likely to come forward for checks and more likely to experience poor outcomes. Locating services in community settings and working with employers and local organisations should improve uptake.
Partnership working will be important. Programmes like Aberdeen Football Club’s Every Don initiative show that bringing services to people increases participation. Expanding that approach makes sense.
The SNP is the only party with a plan for our NHS – and that plan is working. If the people of Scotland put their faith in us on May 7th, we will keep delivering the improved NHS people deserve.
