We work to maximise the population benefits of health care while reducing inequalities
Embedding public health principles into national immunisation programmes.
Our immunisation team aim to ensure everyone who is eligible and would like to be vaccinated is able to do so.
Uptake of vaccines is lower in deprived areas and among certain ethnic minority groups. This shows the importance of immunisation programmes that are inclusive, person-centred, quality and safety focused and evidence based.
We work with NHS Lothian and local Health and Social Care Partnerships who deliver vaccinations and immunisations to:
- Ensure clear governance structures are in place
- Improve equal access by identifying barriers within specific target populations
- Support high uptake of vaccinations across the population of NHS Lothian.
- Offer clinical advice to ensure quality and safety.
If you have an immunisation enquiry see the NHS immunisation page or contact NHS Lothian’s Vaccination Enquiries Helpline: 0300 790 6296 or loth.vaccenquiries@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Supporting national screening programmes to detect conditions earlier and improve the chance of successful treatment.
Our Screening and Early Detection team provide public health leadership for the screening programmes delivered in Lothian, including recovery from the pandemic, with a particular focus on reducing inequalities.
We aim to improve access to screening programmes, help people decide if they want to be screened and reduce any barriers to accessing the screening. We support screening programmes for:
- Breast, bowel & cervical cancer
- Eye problems caused by diabetes
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Pregnancy & newborn.
You can contact the team on loth.sedteam@nhs.scot
Improving the health of the population through the use of medicines and pharmacy services.
Our Pharmaceutical Public Health team improves and protects the health of the population in Lothian and aims to reduce health inequalities through the application of expert pharmaceutical knowledge, skills and resources.
We provide pharmaceutical input into the Public Health and Health Policy directorate, we link with colleagues in Pharmacy services as well as the wider multidisciplinary team across Lothian. Examples of this include Tobacco Control, Sexual Health and Blood Borne Viruses, Drugs and Alcohol and Sustainability.
Community Pharmacy is key in delivery of a number of pharmaceutical services. Details of NHS Lothian services can be found on Pharmacies – NHS Lothian | Our Services and a description of the wide range of services available from community pharmacy can be found at Local help | NHS inform
Improving the oral health of the population.
Our Dental Public Health team provides strategic leadership and expertise to support oral health and reduce inequalities within Lothian.
We aim to reduce oral health inequalities by promoting access to dental services, providing leadership and support for oral health improvement strategies and programmes, and by assessing levels of dental disease/need.
We engage with a broad range of stakeholders and partner organisations, forming links to help support and promote oral health, and contribute to the design, delivery and monitoring of safe, effective, and equitable oral health services and improvement programmes.
