A consultation on a new National Public Health body: 'Public Health Scotland'

Overview

This consultation document invites views on the proposals for a new national public health body in Scotland, to be known as ‘Public Health Scotland’.

Why your views matter

The focus in this consultation is on describing and seeking input on the role, functions and structure of a new Special Health Board to be called 'Public Health Scotland'. This will include some discussion of how the body will interact with other organisations and partnership frameworks.

We want to ensure the new national body is designed in the best possible way to allow it to contribute to the whole public health system, both nationally and locally.

The proposed arrangements address the need to simplify the public health landscape at the national level; the need for better, more visible leadership and a stronger voice for the public’s health.

Public Health Scotland will have an important role in translating public health intelligence and evidence into policy and practice; and realising the value of data to influence ever more meaningful connections locally, nationally and with communities to improve health and wellbeing.

Read the consultation paper.

What happens next

Following the closing date, all consultation responses will be analysed and considered along with any other evidence, to help us progress the Public Health Reform Programme. The establishment of Public Health Scotland will be guided by the timing of legislation passing through the Parliamentary process. We expect the body to become operational in late 2019, with all relevant functions conferred by legislation by that point.