Following extensive engagement, NHS Forth Valley has unveiled a bold new Strategy that aims to transform the way health and care is delivered across the region over the next decade.

The NHS Forth Valley Population Health and Care Strategy (2025 – 2035) sets out the Board’s long-term vision, aims and ambitions to help everyone lead longer, healthier lives. At its core, the Strategy aims to shift the focus from treating illness to preventing it – placing greater emphasis on early support, local services and working with partners to tackle some of the wider factors that influence health.

The Strategy reflects the feedback and priorities gathered from local people, patients, staff, community groups, voluntary and partner organisations over the last two years. It also aligns with the strategic plans of both local Health and Social Care Partnerships as well as national health plans and will be supported by detailed implementation plans. Progress will be closely monitored and plans adjusted to take account of any new or emerging issues over the next ten years.

The key aims are to:

• Invest in services and supports which prevent people from becoming unwell
• Provide support at an earlier stage to help people stay well for longer.
• Increase the range of services delivered in local communities, making it easier for people to get the help they need, closer to home.
• Improve the health and wellbeing of the whole population – not just existing patients.
• Work alongside local councils, charities, community organisations, carers and other partners to address the wider issues which contribute to poor health.
• Roll out a Value Based Health and Care approach to ensure we get the best possible value and health outcomes from the funding available
• Support and grow our workforce to meet current and future needs.

Ross McGuffie, Chief Executive of NHS Forth Valley, said: “Demand for healthcare is expected to rise by 20% over the next decade, but the resources available are not expected to grow at the same pace. To meet these challenges, we need to change the way we plan and deliver health and care services, now and in the future.”

“Our new Strategy therefore marks a major shift from treating illness to looking at how we can prevent people from becoming unwell in the first place.  It takes a wider approach to support everyone to live healthier lives, rather than just focussing on existing patients. We also want to look at ways of reaching people earlier and work with our partners to tackle some of the other issues which affect health and wellbeing such as access to employment, housing and transport.”

Neena Mahal, Chair of NHS Forth Valley, said: “We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the development of this Strategy and the feedback we received shows strong support for a population health approach which focuses on improving the health of everyone who lives in Forth Valley. Your input has helped us focus on what matters most.

“As we move forward, we will continue to engage with service users, communities, staff and partners on key service developments and changes. Together, we will design services that meet the needs of local people and focus our efforts where they will make the biggest difference. This will help to reduce health inequalities and support the people of Forth Valley to live longer, healthier lives, whilst making the best use of our available resources.”

Additional Information

You can read the full Population Health and Care Strategy, a short summary and information on the key themes from the engagement undertaken on the NHS Forth Valley website.