Covering both the HITRANS and ZetTrans areas, the Highlands and Islands HTAP provides a framework for collaboration across the Highlands and Islands. It aims to help NHS Boards, local authorities, Regional Transport Partnerships, transport providers and community stakeholders to share evidence, identify opportunities and coordinate priorities. The programme recognises that transport connects people and communities with healthcare, as well as employment, education and other services that contribute to health and wellbeing.
Why health and transport?
Transport affects whether people can reach healthcare and other essential services. It also influences public health, including physical activity, social inclusion, road safety, air quality and community wellbeing.
National work, including by Audit Scotland and the Scottish Government, has highlighted the important relationship between transport and access to health and social care services, and the value of closer collaboration between health and transport partners. It reinforces the need for healthcare and transport planning to be considered together, helping ensure services are accessible to the communities that rely on them.
Building on experience from established regional initiatives, including the Grampian Health and Transport Action Plan, HTAP provides a forum for partners to:
- share evidence and practical learning;
- understand current and future needs;
- strengthen links between health and transport planning; and
- identify coordinated priorities and actions that improve outcomes for communities.
The programme is jointly funded by Transport Scotland, the Scottish Government Health Directorate, and the National Islands Plan.