'Life Saving' Scheme Must Be Replaced

An NHS scheme earmarked for closure has identified tens of thousands of Scots living in deprived areas who are at increased risk of heart attacks.

The 'Keep Well' programme was set up to improve the health of 40 to 64 year olds in areas considered to be of the greatest need.

Out of over 197,000 people it tested, 31,000 - nearly 1 in 6 - were found to be at risk of coronary disease.

But funding for the scheme is being withdrawn in 2017.

Jim Hume, the Scottish Liberal Democrat's health spokesperson, said: "People living in more affluent parts of Scotland can expect to live years longer than people brought up in more deprived areas. Closing down these health inequalities is a substantial challenge which is why targeted support is so important.

"Programmes like Keep Well have the potential to make an enormous difference. It is not an exaggeration to suggest it may have proven a life saver for many of the thousands of Scots it has found to be at risk of heart disease or diabetes.

"Coronary heart disease is the number one killer in Scotland today. The Keep Well programme has made a real difference, identifying thousands of people at risk and helping them to change their lifestyles.

"Scottish Government Ministers need to look again at the decision to pull the plug. If they are determined to press ahead and shut this programme down, we need cast iron assurances that health boards will get the help they need to put replacement programmes in place. Otherwise SNP Ministers risk deepening health inequalities."