SNP Pledges Health Checks for All Scottish Primary Pupils

Strategic Insights -

The Scottish National Party's (SNP) manifesto for the next year's Holyrood election has included pledges to provide annual health checks and plans for every Scottish primary pupil, with school nurses doubling in number. The proposal also includes a new, school-based dental service for the most deprived areas and an enforceable legal right for patients, ensuring they do not have to wait longer than 18 weeks from GP referral to treatment. Shona Robison, the SNP's health spokeswoman, has put forward a range of health motions that will form a key part of the party's campaign.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SNP has pledged to provide annual health checks and plans for every Scottish primary pupil, with school nurses doubling in number to achieve this.
  • A new, school-based dental service will be introduced for the most deprived areas of Scotland.
  • The party has proposed an enforceable legal right for patients, ensuring they do not have to wait longer than 18 weeks from GP referral to treatment.
  • Shona Robison's health plan features a reduced focus on boosting spending on the NHS, following a rapid increase in resources in recent years.
  • The plan includes a "golden handcuffs" system to retain dentists who receive training funded by the Scottish Executive.
  • Health boards will be required to prove there is no alternative to their "creeping centralisation" of hospital services.
  • Alex Salmond has called for a renewed focus on by-elections, with voluntary workers and canvassing to identify supporters earlier.

Statistics:

  • 100% of Scottish primary pupils would receive annual health checks and plans.
  • The number of school nurses would double.
  • 18 weeks: the maximum time patients would be allowed to wait from GP referral to treatment.
  • 1 million: the proposed GBP1m appeal to fund the Holyrood election effort.
  • Scotland: sixth highest rate of obesity in the world.

Sources:

  • "[Alex Salmond tells SNP that health will be a major part of the campaign](https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15174925.alex-salmond-tells-snp-that-health-will-be-a-major-part-of-the-campaign/)" by The Herald.
  • "SNP council plans leaked to The Herald: Watson accused of 'trying to bury' policies by The Herald" by The Herald.