From Health Equity Network List/:
David McDaid, LSE Health and Social Care

Press release to accompany publication of Chief Medical Officer in
Scotland's annual report

Full press release at
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2005/03/22102514


Scotland may be seeing early signs of shedding its Sick Man of Europe tag,
Chief Medical Officer Dr Mac Armstrong said today. Presenting his fifth and
final annual report <
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/health/his04-01.asp>, he said:
"We have lived for too long with this legacy of one of the most appalling
health records in Europe. And we are still living with it.
"As my report makes clear, there with many serious and growing problems
particularly with alcohol abuse and also health inequalities.
"But I think we are now seeing some early signs of recovery. Lifting the
smoking blanket from our pubs, clubs and restaurants is undoubtedly the
most significant measure in a generation to improve our nation's health.
"Beyond that, I sense a the start of wider cultural change in our country.
More and more Scots are viewing health as something to be enjoyed.
"They are realising that simple measures everyone can take - like going for
a walk, having a swim, eating sensibly - all contribute to feeling good,
living well and living longer.
"We know this is going to be a long haul and there is no short-term fix. It
will take a generation to turn this around and fully address the ills of
Scotland's health record.
"To make progress we have to change our attitudes to alcohol. It is great
to enjoy a pint of beer or a glass or two of wine but constantly overdoing
it brings far more serious consequences than a hangover.
"Health inequalities are widening and we need to tackle this head on. A lot
of work is underway by the Executive, the NHS, local councils and community
groups. The new Community Health Partnerships will have a key role in
leading this work.
"We have to work together to close the health inequality gap where people
in more affluent areas enjoy much better health than those in deprived
areas.
"That is why the legislation on smoking is so important because of the
benefit it will bring to poorer communities where smoking rates are higher.
"The health benefits to all of making public places smoke free are
priceless. This in the long-term be a significant step towards banishing
Scotland's image as the Sick Man - and Sick Woman - of Europe.
"I am very proud that this legislation has been introduced in my time as
Chief Medical Officer.
"I'm delighted that the Executive has had the courage to take this on and
that so many politicians from all perspectives have had the guts to back
it. There can be no better legacy they can leave for our children."
 Tackling health inequalities is a major aim of the Scottish Executive's
 health improvement policies set out in the White Paper Towards a Healthier
 Scotland (1999) and Improving Health In Scotland: The Challenge (2003).

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