Better Health, Better Care- a Better Document

First, apologies. I do realise that I have not blogged for a couple of weeks. This is because rather a lot has been happening at this end and I have been running around like a blue -bahookied fly. But time to get back to blogging and my bedside reading just now is this document - 'Better Health,Better Care'. It's a discussion document that was brought out by the Scottish Government in August and submissions are due in November.

Documents like this are tricky to get right. Too much detail,and you are accused of having already drawn your own conclusions. Too little, and you are accused of having nothing to offer. This document has got the balance just right.

There are several specific targets

Abolition of prescription charges; direct health elections;an end to hidden waiting lists; free school meals;a new dental school in Aberdeen; a waiting time no longer than 18weeks from referral to appointment;

It has a specific policy direction

The document has statements like 'There will be a clear policy presumption against centralisation'.

It is ambitious

This is a wide ranging document. It is looking at every area of healthcare and has the feeling of ambition about it. In modern politics it's very difficult to have a big idea or big government. Politicians are accused of bringing in the nanny state when they do this. If they fail in any of their objectives, then this is forever cast up to them. Politicians have therefore been careful-too careful in my opinion, to go for it, and attempt make a real difference; they end up picking around the edges of legislation, rather than attempt something that may leave them exposed to criticism. This document throws that approach out of the window. It is a breath of fresh air.

It is in plain English.

Not a sign of 'synergy' anywhere. Need I say more?

I will be discussing this document over the next few posts, and how the aims in it might be achieved. Watch this space!