Health Move to Seek Out Ill-Looking Scots Minister Urged to Identify at-Risk Patients in Advance

HEALTH bosses are being ordered to seek out people in deprived areas most likely to suffer serious ill health and get them to see a GP.

Andy Kerr, the Health Minister, says he wants a more “proactive” approach to identifying and helping those at risk, such as heavy smokers and those likely to suffer heart disease.

Health blackspots such as Shettleston in Glasgow, where average male life expectancy is 63 – more than 10 years below the national average – would be targeted. Once identified they would be urged to visit their GP.

The plan is part of Health Minister Andy Kerr’s response to the report by Professor David Kerr, which sets out a blueprint for the Scottish health service for the next 20 years.

Although he has yet to give his detailed response, Mr Kerr has already backed the report and has called on the health boards to begin implementing key recommendations.

Mr Kerr said the move was necessary because people who were disadvantaged did not access the health care system.

He said: “Tackling conditions and potential conditions in advance can pay massive dividends for everyone down the line.

“In response to the Kerr report, I have been telling health boards and other partners that I want them to get to work immediately on identifying patients with long-term conditions.”

The Minister said he would reply in more detail to Professor Kerr’s report next month, but his plan has already received a sceptical response.

Patients’ Association spokeswoman Katherine Murphy said: “I can’t see how this exercise is going to be effective. How do they identify the people they are going to see?”

Tory health spokeswoman Nanette Milne added: “While I understand the need for preventive medicine, this sounds like a bizarre idea.”

brian. currie@eveningtimes. co. uk