Health screening: equity in screening strategy 2023 to 2026

Who "we" are

This strategy uses the terms 'we' and 'our' throughout to refer to the organisations involved in delivering screening in Scotland. These organisations include Scottish Government, NHS Boards, NHS National Services Scotland, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Public Health Scotland, Local Authorities and Health and Social Care Partnerships. The third sector, independent sector, and academic organisations are also involved in supporting screening and have important contributions to make towards tackling inequalities.

This strategy outlines how 'we' as a screening system will address inequalities, to achieve our vision of equity in access to screening. We must work together to achieve our vision and long-term outcomes. We must also engage people from under-served groups in our approach.

Different organisations will take the lead on delivering aspects of the strategy. The Strategy Action Plan (appendix 1) provides further detail on this.

To successfully reduce inequalities in screening there needs to be long-term change at all levels, with a multi-agency effort.