1. Tackling Health Inequalities

2. The Acheson Report (1998) confirmed what had previously been identified by the Black Report (1980). There was a clear link between health and wealth.

3. Collectivism v Individualism These are two competing approaches to welfare provision (state support). They can be applied to the provision of health care and benefits.

4. Collectivism Traditionally, Labour have opted for a collectivist approach as they recognise the link between poverty and ill health. Forming the Government in 1997, they adopted this approach, which meant significant financial support would be offered by the State, whilst recognising that some people needed more guidance than others in terms of health – The Nanny State. Traditionally, Labour have opted for a collectivist approach as they recognise the link between poverty and ill health. Forming the Government in 1997, they adopted this approach, which meant significant financial support would be offered by the State, whilst recognising that some people needed more guidance than others in terms of health – The Nanny State.

5. Individualism The Conservatives had previously felt that ‘The Nanny State’ had created an environment where people failed to take responsibility for themselves. Individualism encourages people to be self-sufficient and not rely on others, favouring private health care as far as possible. The Conservatives had previously felt that ‘The Nanny State’ had created an environment where people failed to take responsibility for themselves. Individualism encourages people to be self-sufficient and not rely on others, favouring private health care as far as possible.

6. Areas to Research The Smoking Ban The Smoking Ban Age to purchase tobacco Age to purchase tobacco Well Men Services/ Well Men Clinics Well Men Services/ Well Men Clinics Free School Meals Free School Meals Changes to Alcohol Laws Changes to Alcohol Laws HPV Vaccination HPV Vaccination Tackling Obesity Tackling Obesity 5 a day/Healthy Eating Initiatives 5 a day/Healthy Eating Initiatives Prescription Charges (Scotland) Prescription Charges (Scotland) Greater Provision of Treatments Greater Provision of Treatments You must gather the following information: Describe what this policy/approach actually is. Explain who they are targeted at or who is most likely to benefit. To what extent have they been successful?

7. The Smoking Ban On March 26 th 2006, Smoking was banned in all public places in Scotland. On March 26 th 2006, Smoking was banned in all public places in Scotland. By Summer 2007, this was the case for all of the UK. By Summer 2007, this was the case for all of the UK. What groups would be most affected by this?

8. Age to purchase tobacco The legal age for buying tobacco products increased from 16 to 18 in the UK on 1 st October 2007. The legal age for buying tobacco products increased from 16 to 18 in the UK on 1 st October 2007. In Scotland, cigarette vending machines have been banned. In Scotland, cigarette vending machines have been banned. Vendors must also have a license as is the case with alcohol retailers. Vendors must also have a license as is the case with alcohol retailers.

9. Well Man Services/ Well Man Clinics These clinics specialise in male health care. Men can attend and have a general health check, sometimes known as a Health MOT. These clinics specialise in male health care. Men can attend and have a general health check, sometimes known as a Health MOT. The hope is this will remove some of the fear and possibly embarassment that men face in terms of their own health. The hope is this will remove some of the fear and possibly embarassment that men face in terms of their own health. The Health MOT could focus on diet, alcohol, smoking and exercise. However, you also have the opportunity to get advice on other issues that you wouldn’t want to discuss with your own Doctor. The Health MOT could focus on diet, alcohol, smoking and exercise. However, you also have the opportunity to get advice on other issues that you wouldn’t want to discuss with your own Doctor.

10. Free School Meals In Scotland, all pupils from Primary 1-3 receive free school meals. Furthermore, beyond this stage, those students from families on a low income qualify for free school meals. There has been suggestions that there’s a link between diet and educational attainment due to increased levels of concentration. This is an attempt to address both health and wealth inequalities.

11. Changes to Alcohol Laws Alcohol can only be purchased from off- licenses between 10am and 10pm. Alcohol can only be purchased from off- licenses between 10am and 10pm. No happy-hours. No happy-hours. Alcohol can only be displayed in specific alcohol areas. Alcohol can only be displayed in specific alcohol areas. ‘Challenge 25’ – even if you look over 18 but under 25, expect to be asked for proof of identity. Supermarkets are now using this approach. ‘Challenge 25’ – even if you look over 18 but under 25, expect to be asked for proof of identity. Supermarkets are now using this approach.

12. Proposed changes to Alcohol Laws Minimum price of 45p per unit of alcohol. Minimum price of 45p per unit of alcohol. ‘Social Responsibility Fee’ paid by retailers. ‘Social Responsibility Fee’ paid by retailers. ‘Loss Leaders’ no longer an option for retailers. ‘Loss Leaders’ no longer an option for retailers.

13. HPV Vaccination This is now available to girls aged 12 and over in an attempt to reduce the threat of cervical cancer.

14. 5 a day/Healthy Eating Initiatives ‘5 a Day’ is the name given to a number of programmes put in place to encourage people to consume at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Is there a link between social class and diet? What groups do you think this has been targeted at?

15. Prescription Charges (Scotland) In Scotland, prescription charges are currently £3 but will be completely free from April 2011. The cost in England is currently £7.20. The young, the elderly, those with long-term conditions and on benefits already benefit from free prescription charges, however, those on a low income look set to benefit from this. It’s also in line with one of the ‘Founding Principles’ of the NHS – Free at the point of use.

16. Free Personal Care for the Elderly Personal care is available without charge for everyone in Scotland aged 65 and over who have been assessed by the local authority as needing it. This cost £358 million last year and is predicted to rise to £813 million by 2031. Subsequently, there are serious question marks over future levels of provision. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/305166/0095748.pdf

17. Greater Provision of Treatments Continually improving technology and research has allowed the NHS to increase the types of treatment it can offer. For example, cancer drugs like Avastin are now available, Gastric Bands are an option for those considered morbidly obese and even plastic surgery has been offered.

18. How successful have these policies been?

19. Adult smoking remains high though significant progress has been made in reducing smoking rates from 31% in 1999 to 24% in 2009. Adult smoking remains high though significant progress has been made in reducing smoking rates from 31% in 1999 to 24% in 2009. The Scottish Government target to reduce the percentage of pregnant women who smoke from 29% in 1995 to 20% by 2010 was met in 2008, with figures reducing to 19.2%. The Scottish Government target to reduce the percentage of pregnant women who smoke from 29% in 1995 to 20% by 2010 was met in 2008, with figures reducing to 19.2%. Youth smoking is reducing from a peak of 30% of 15 year olds being regular smokers in 1996 to 15% in 2008 and there is now a majority of Scottish 15 year olds who report never having smoked. Youth smoking is reducing from a peak of 30% of 15 year olds being regular smokers in 1996 to 15% in 2008 and there is now a majority of Scottish 15 year olds who report never having smoked. The Smoking Ban & Tobacco Laws http://www.ashscotland.org.uk/ash/8388.html http://health.caledonianmercury.com/2010/09/15/scotland-to-miss-smoking-reduction-target/00864

20. However again in deprived areas, smoking in pregnancy is significantly higher with 30% of pregnant women in the most deprived areas recorded as smoking, compared to 6.7% of those living in the least deprived areas. However again in deprived areas, smoking in pregnancy is significantly higher with 30% of pregnant women in the most deprived areas recorded as smoking, compared to 6.7% of those living in the least deprived areas. There has been a decrease in the number of heart attacks in Scotland. (See article below) There has been a decrease in the number of heart attacks in Scotland. (See article below) http://www.ashscotland.org.uk/ash/8388.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1562787/Scottish-smoking-ban-cuts-heart-attacks.html

21. Well Man Services/ Well Man Clinics

22. Many councils have failed to implement this because of the cost involved. West Dunbartonshire is the only Council who claim it will meet the target. Many councils have failed to implement this because of the cost involved. West Dunbartonshire is the only Council who claim it will meet the target. 10 local authorities have stated they have no intention of implementing this. 10 local authorities have stated they have no intention of implementing this. Some have offered to provide free breakfasts. Some have offered to provide free breakfasts. Free School Meals http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article7086703.ece

23. Scotland has the 8 th highest alcohol consumption rate in the world. Scotland has the 8 th highest alcohol consumption rate in the world. The average person drank the equivalent of 89 bottles of wine during the year, down from more than 94 bottles, according to new statistics. The average person drank the equivalent of 89 bottles of wine during the year, down from more than 94 bottles, according to new statistics. It was the largest drop in alcohol consumed since 1948, as health concerns and the recession encouraged consumers to cut back. It was the largest drop in alcohol consumed since 1948, as health concerns and the recession encouraged consumers to cut back. The UK are consuming 13% less alcohol than in 2004. The UK are consuming 13% less alcohol than in 2004. Changes to Alcohol Laws http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7903584.stm

24. 9 out of 10 eligible Scottish schoolgirls have had at least one injection to help protect them from cervical cancer. 92.6% had the first jab, 91.1% had the second jab and 86.9% the third. 9 out of 10 eligible Scottish schoolgirls have had at least one injection to help protect them from cervical cancer. 92.6% had the first jab, 91.1% had the second jab and 86.9% the third. However, there are concerns about the uptake amongst those who’ve left school. 45.9% the first jab and 38.4% the second. However, there are concerns about the uptake amongst those who’ve left school. 45.9% the first jab and 38.4% the second. HPV Vaccination http://www.nursingtimes.net/whats-new-in-nursing/primary-care/hpv-vaccine-uptake-very-encouraging/5019694.article

25. Obesity in children is now common. In Scotland, nearly, one in five (18%) boys and over one in ten (14%) girls aged 2-15 years are obese. Obesity in children is now common. In Scotland, nearly, one in five (18%) boys and over one in ten (14%) girls aged 2-15 years are obese. Britons are eating 1% less fruit and 11% less vegetables than they did in 2008. Britons are eating 1% less fruit and 11% less vegetables than they did in 2008. 5 a day/Healthy Eating Initiatives http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7572108/Britons-eating-fewer-vegetables-despite-5-a-day-campaign.html

26. Prescription Charges (Scotland)

27. Free Personal Care for the Elderly

28. Greater Provision of Treatments

29. Life Expectancy in Calton