Long Term Conditions Framework
The ALLIANCE is closely following the Scottish Government's new approach to supporting people living with long term conditions.
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. This follows on from a diverse collection of condition-specific action plans. 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 our members support 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 of our members have expressed concerns about the loss of expertise and support that has been delivered through existing condition-specific strategies. In addition, some scepticism was shown about how useful another framework would be at improving outcomes. It is important that the Scottish Government provide clarity and reassurance about the status of existing strategies and actions still underway in relation to them. They must also embed a human rights based approach throughout all frameworks and strategies.
For more information on our Long Term Conditions Framework policy activity please contact Allan Faulds, Senior Policy Officer on allan.faulds@alliance-scotland.org.uk or 0141 404 0231.