Long Term Conditions Framework members update: October 2025

The Scottish Government are aiming for a single framework alongside time-limited action plans that can be condition-specific where required.

Context

The Scottish Government are developing and implementing a Long Term Conditions Framework (LTCF), with the aim of improving outcomes for people living with long term conditions. The new LTCF is intended to provide an overarching framework for long term conditions in general, supported by targeted actions for particular conditions. They describe this as taking a balance between a cross-cutting and condition-specific approach.

The ALLIANCE are engaging closely with the progress of the LTCF. We gathered input from our members to inform our response to the Scottish Government’s consultation. Overall, the ALLIANCE and the members we met with supported the principle of taking a balanced approach between cross-cutting and condition-specific work, recognising commonalities in experience across many long term conditions.

However, some members expressed concerns about the loss of expertise and support that has been delivered through existing condition-specific strategies. In addition, some were sceptical about how useful another framework would be at improving outcomes. We emphasised to the Scottish Government the importance of clarity and reassurance, as well as embedding human rights in the framework.

Scottish Government update

The Scottish Government provided an update to members able to attend a session in September. They confirmed their intention to have a single framework alongside time-limited action plans that can be condition-specific where required. Development of the framework is ongoing, with the Government intending to establish governance groups by the end of November and publish the final framework in December.

Governance groups will include a Strategic Advisory Board, bringing together Scottish Government, NHS and Clinical representatives alongside third sector, lived experience and patient advocacy representatives. A wider Reference Group will act as a broad consultative body representing all stakeholders, and there will be scope to establish thematic working groups on specific issue.

They also provided further information on which current strategies and action plans are intended to be replaced by the framework. Those included: heart disease; out of hospital cardiac arrest; diabetes; chronic pain; long Covid; stroke; respiratory conditions; and neurological conditions. It was indicated at the session that specific strategies for cancer; mental health; and dementia would continue.

Consultation Response Analysis

Full analysis of consultation responses is due to be published later this month. According to early information shared, 80% of respondents supported the principle of a LTCF. Themes emerging from the analysis included equitable and sustainable access; whole-system, person-centred models of care; prevention and early intervention; tackling inequalities; access to non-medical services; workforce education and training.

We will continue to keep members up to date on our work relating to the development of the LTCF. If you have any questions, you can contact the policy team on policy@alliance-scotland.org.uk.

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