The White
Paper emphasises the profound effects of early influences
on lifelong health. The future health of children is greatly
influenced by their early years and the lifestyle and health
of their parents - a mother's diet and smoking status prior
to conception and during pregnancy have a particular importance.
The White Paper identifies child health as a priority.
The Priorities
and Planning Guidance is a framework for the planning and
delivery of health services in the 3 year period from 1999-2002
and focuses the National Health Service in Scotland
(NHSiS) on the most important national priorities.
The Guidance makes the health of children and young people
an important focus of the improving health and tackling
inequalities effort.
