NHS Lothian announces new funding for weight management care for thousands across region
The health board will launch the new programmes in collaboration Defence Medical Command (DMedC), the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) and Edinburgh Napier University
Thousands of people across the Lothians are to benefit from a new weight management scheme after NHS Lothian secured almost £8 million in funding.
The health board has revealed that £7.7m has been received to improve access to personalised weight management support as part of the Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme (OPIP).
The OPIP has seen £16 million invested across Scottish health boards.
The new programmes will be developed in collaboration with Defence Medical Command (DMedC), the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) and Edinburgh Napier University.
As part of the new project, two programmes will be delivered - ‘LIMITLESS’, which will be available for people living within the Lothians, and ‘STRIDE’, which will be created specifically for armed forces personnel and their families.
Both programmes will give patients access to an app which will deliver support from healthcare professionals, community services and specialist teams to help improve their weight management and overall health.
Dr Tracey Gillies, medical director of NHS Lothian, said: “This innovative new programme has the potential to transform weight management care by using the latest technology to develop a sustainable model.
“LIMITLESS and STRIDE aim to set the standard for weight management across Scotland and beyond.
“They will play a crucial role in defining future models of care, reducing waiting times and ensuring faster access to safe, person-centred care for people living with obesity.”
Health chiefs are aiming to target around 10,000 patients across the Lothians with the LIMITLESS programme over the next three years.
There is hope that the £7.7m investment into the programmes will help to provide faster access to those living with obesity, as well as providing early intervention for conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure which will in turn place less pressure on GP services.
It is believed that around one in three adults in Scotland suffer from obesity with a 40% rise in type 2 diabetes over the past decade, affecting deprived communities disproportionately.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “I am delighted to hear of the successful bid application put forward by NHS Lothian.
“This funding will drive real innovation in the treatment of obesity in Scotland and ensure that people will receive care and weight management support tailored to their individual needs.
“This project builds on all the work undertaken by health boards across the country, with Scottish Government support, to develop safe and effective weight management services at national scale.”
Defence Medical’s chief, Air Marshall Claire Walton, said: “I am delighted that Defence Medical has received this award alongside NHS Lothian with academic and digital partners in Scotland.
“Through this work we will aim for better long-term health and deployability of our Armed Forces and faster, more flexible, access to novel services. Our patients and healthcare teams will also be at the forefront of evaluation opportunities in this fast-moving area of medicine.
“Working together, LIMITLESS STRIDE will provide faster access to tailored weight management care, including digital support, psychological screening, rehabilitation and fitness assessment. This will help Armed Forces personnel improve their health, maintain operational fitness and remain ready to deploy.”