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Our Board agreed in principle to the establishment of a new Equalities and Planning Directorate following discussion with the Scottish Executive Health Department about embedding and mainstreaming equality and diversity into the health service.

Tackling health inequalities and improving health is a common goal for all NHS Boards in Scotland and Health Scotland has a particular role in leading and supporting progress in improving Scotland’s health.

The aim of establishing this Directorate is to develop Health Scotland as a centre of expertise with a clear imperative to support Health Boards in Scotland, including other Directorates in Health Scotland, reduce health inequalities, promote equality and achieve better outcomes for patients.

Further background to the proposal and key questions developed so far is outlined the consultation paper for the event on 19th April.

As part of the consultation process to establish the Equalities and Planning Directorate, over the past twelve months, we have consulted with the Scottish Government, Fair for All teams and NHS Boards.

At our event in April 2007, delegates were provided with information on the Fair for All agenda and strands, national context to NHS Scotland’s approach to equality and diversity and inequalities in health. Delegate papers are available as well as a full report from the event and a summary of the issues raised and accompanying response from Health Scotland.

Following this event, our Chief Executive met with most NHS Boards in Scotland to discuss how the Directorate could support Boards and work with them in making progress. A summary of the issues is available in our January newsletter.

To see how Health Scotland is committed to equality and diversity in its internal work, please visit the Equality, Diversity and Patient Focus page of our website.