Ministers told ‘serious investment’ in preventative health care needed now
Ministers are being urged to make a “serious investment” in preventative health care in the wake of data predicting large rises in the number of Scots with dementia and some of the most common cancers over a 25-year period.
By 2044, dementia cases are estimated to rise to between 102,000 and 146,600 – an increase of 52%-58%.
The Scottish Burden of Disease study warned: “A substantial rise in dementia prevalence is projected in the coming decades, due to projected demographic changes.”
The study also indicated the number of Scots living with lung cancer could increase by 59% between 2019 and 2044 – taking the number of cases from 10,600 to 16,800.
The number of people with bowel cancer is estimated to rise by 44% over the same period, taking case numbers from 29,000 to 41,700.
The Scottish Burden of Disease study also suggested the number of women with breast cancer could rise by 30% between 2019 and 2044, taking cases from 55,000 to 71,000.
But he said Scotland currently “has the worst shortage of oncologists” of the four nations in the UK.
Hitting out at the Scottish Government, he said: “The reality of an ageing population requires a government with the foresight to act now, but the SNP lack any kind of vision.
“Thanks to their mismanagement, patients are waiting a lifetime for treatment, staff are on their knees, and Scotland now has the worst shortage of oncologists of any UK nation.”
To help improve health care, he said ministers need to ensure people get fast access to GPs, while preventative care should be prioritised, along with efforts to ensure speedy diagnosis and treatment.
“All of that is essential if we are to change the outlook for patients and staff and put our NHS back on a stable footing,” Mr Cole-Hamilton said.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said research “assists future planning of our health and care services”, but they added: “The predicted increases in these conditions are not inevitable.
“Effective prevention at all levels can help people live with lower levels of severity and reduce demand for services.”
Noting the Government last week published a Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework and the Population Health Framework, which will be implemented jointly with local government leaders in Cosla, the spokesperson said these “focus on key activities that will help us tackle the root causes of poor health, reduce inequalities and build a more sustainable, person-led and community-focused health and social care system for Scotland – offering people in Scotland faster and fairer access to care”.