There is a change coming which has the potential to positively impact on the connection, collaboration and partnerships across culture and arts in health and wellbeing health and social practice in rural locations.

The Scottish Government has announced plans for a new National Centre in Scotland which aims to reduce health inequalities and improve the delivery of healthcare services in rural communities. NHS Education for Scotland (NES) have been commissioned by the Scottish Government (Primary Care Directorate) to establish the National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Social Care which will support excellence in the design, delivery and evaluation of remote and rural health and social care research, education, innovation, practice, recruitment and retention.

The centre will be supported by funding of £3 million from 2023-2026 and is expected to improve the capability of remote, rural and island primary care and enhance the delivery of community-based services.

The idea is that these improved outcomes can be best achieved by the co-ordination and resources the Centre will provide. The centre will work with NHS boards virtually and locally to improve rural workforce and retention and develop new and innovative services to help deliver better results for patients.