Public Health Scotland

Public Health Scotland logo

Public Health Scotland (PHS) is the national agency for improving and protecting the public health of Scotland. It was established on 1st April 2020, as a result of the merger between Health Protection Scotland (HPS) and Information Services Division (ISD). Public Health Scotland operates under the auspices of the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland, aiming to provide a unified approach to national health challenges, emphasizing prevention, protection, and health improvement.

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of Public Health Scotland is to enhance the overall health and well-being of the Scottish population. Its objectives include:

• Monitoring and reporting on the health status of the population.
• Providing evidence-based advice and support to the Scottish Government, local authorities, the NHS, and other stakeholders.
• Leading and supporting national initiatives to improve public health.
• Protecting the population from infectious diseases and environmental hazards.
• Reducing health inequalities across Scotland.

Functions and Services

Public Health Scotland delivers a wide range of services and functions to achieve its mission:

• Health Protection: This includes surveillance, preparedness, and response to infectious diseases, environmental threats, and emergencies.
• Health Improvement: PHS focuses on initiatives that encourage healthier lifestyles, such as smoking cessation, nutrition, and physical activity.
• Healthcare Public Health: Providing advice and support to the NHS and local authorities to ensure that healthcare services contribute effectively to public health.
• Data and Intelligence: Collecting, analyzing, and disseminating health data to inform policy, practice, and public understanding.
• Research and Development: Conducting and supporting research to advance knowledge in public health.

Governance

Public Health Scotland is governed by a board that includes representatives from the Scottish Government, local government, the NHS, and experts in public health. The Chief Executive of PHS is responsible for the day-to-day management of the agency.

Challenges and Opportunities

As a relatively new organization, Public Health Scotland faces several challenges, including responding to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, addressing long-standing health inequalities, and adapting to the evolving public health landscape. However, PHS also has significant opportunities to make a lasting impact on the health of Scotland's population through innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based policy and practice.

See Also

• Health Protection Scotland
• Information Services Division
• NHS Scotland
• Scottish Government