Scotland’s disease burden forecast to increase by more than half

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today said that people need a focus on preventative health care, including faster access to GPs, after new figures forecast an increase of more than half in Scotland’s disease burden for long-term conditions over the next 20 years.

The Scottish Burden of Disease study found that:

• The number of people living with atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm problem that increases the risk of a stroke) is estimated to increase by 56% by 2044.
• The number of people living with chronic liver disease is estimated to increase by 54% by 2044.
• The number of people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is estimated to increase by 63% by 2044.
• For all these conditions, the largest absolute change came for men and women over the age of 65 and there will be an increase in the non-fatal burden of these conditions.

Commenting on the figures, Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

“These projections are a sobering reminder of the action needed to deal with an ageing population and an increase in complex health needs.

“The SNP lack the vision and understanding to fix our NHS. Thanks to their mismanagement, patients are waiting a lifetime for treatment while staff are on their knees, burnt out on every shift.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats are working hard to unpick years of SNP neglect, get everyone faster access to their GP, prioritise preventative care and ensure fast diagnosis and treatment. It’s essential to change the outlook for patients and staff and put our NHS back on a stable footing”