Healthcare experts in Scotland voice concerns over Long Term Conditions Framework 

Leading experts have joined us to send an open letter to the Scottish Health Minister expressing “deep concern” at proposals which they believe will undermine any hopes of improvements to cardiology outcomes in Scotland.

It comes after we recently highlighted the worst start to a decade for Scotland’s heart health for 50 years. 

The letter, sent to Jenni Minto MSP, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, expresses serious alarm about the Scottish Government’s recently published Long-Term Conditions Framework Consultation.

The consultation document – which closes on Sunday 20 July - calls for a cross-cutting, generalised approach to multiple long-term conditions, rather than a separate plan which we believe is necessary in tackling heart disease. 

Published this week, the letter has 11 signatories including senior representatives from Royal Colleges and specialist clinical cardiovascular groups and warns that the approach outlined in the consultation lacks strategic clarity and risks undermining cardiology services.

The signatories argue that heart disease must be retained as a standalone priority for the Scottish Government. 

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of disease and death in Scotland, it reads: “Almost one in eight people in Scotland live with some form of cardiovascular disease. Ischemic heart diseases remain the most common cause of death under the age of 75.” 

It states: “We, the clinical community, urge the Scottish Government to reconsider its approach and ensure that heart disease receives the strategic focus it deserves through a commitment to a refreshed, fully funded and resourced Heart Disease Action Plan. Given the substantial impact of heart disease on individuals and the healthcare system, it is imperative that strategic thinking and focused efforts are directed towards this condition.” 

David McColgan, Head of BHF Scotland, says: “At a time when survival rates from heart and circulatory diseases are declining, rolling back over 60 years of progress, now is not the time for the Scottish Government to deprioritise its commitment in this area. “

Professor Adrian Brady, President of the Scottish Cardiac Society, said: “The cardiovascular community welcomes the Government’s plan to focus on Chronic Conditions.   

“Any focus must be supported by an evidence base that shows lives will be saved by intervention and long term strategic change. 

“Such evidence abounds for cardiac disease and we look forward to working with Scottish Government and the British Heart Foundation to achieve these aims.” 

READ THE OPEN LETTER