Genomics in Scotland strategy: island communities impact assessment

Introduction

This is a summary of the Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) conducted on the new Genomics in Scotland: Building our Future: A five-year national strategy (2024-2029). This ICIA has been carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 (“Islands Act”). The Islands Act places a duty on the Scottish Ministers and other relevant authorities, including a number of public authorities, to have regard to island communities in exercising their functions. This duty is often referred to as ‘island-proofing’.

Island communities have unique needs, and this impact assessment enables identification of how elements of the strategy can be shaped to meet such needs. It is recognised that it can be more difficult to access health services, particularly specialist cancer services, on an island. The consequences of geography can create particular problems for island communities, including a higher general cost of living which can lead to higher levels of poverty, as well as more expensive and more complex transport options and poorer internet connection. There are also demographic concerns, including an aging population, and social and cultural issues, such as shortage of appropriate and affordable housing, dispersed deprivation, and challenges with alcohol misuse.^[1] All of these issues can exacerbate the problems and inequalities faced by already vulnerable people who require access to genomic testing and associated services.

The findings in this summary are based on desk-based research and the formal analysis of the consultation on the strategy.