Reducing health inequalities in line with Scotland’s Population Health Framework

Scotland’s Population Health Framework (2025–2035) seeks to shift power to communities, tackling the root causes of poor health and making care more local, inclusive and responsive.

As a trusted healthcare delivery partner, Acacium Group has a wealth of experience supporting the devolved nations in achieving their strategic healthcare ambitions. Based in Edinburgh, we collaborate with NHS boards, local authorities and community organisations to deliver services that are both nationally aligned and locally responsive.

Our services span diagnostics, elective care, prevention, mental health and complex care, each designed to:

• Support long-term wellbeing and system sustainability
• Improve access to essential services
• Reduce health inequalities across communities

With a proven track record and scalable solutions, we help partners turn policy into practice delivering care that’s inclusive, effective and rooted in local needs. These include;

Community diagnostic services

Improved access to diagnostics enables earlier intervention, faster treatment and better health outcomes. Mobile and localised services including endoscopy, imaging and pathology bring essential care directly into communities. This reduces travel burdens and wait times. For rural populations, the model helps close longstanding gaps in access and alleviates pressure on acute services.

Elective care insourcing

Elective care insourcing provides a rapid, cost-effective solution to reduce waiting lists and improve patient access to treatment. By delivering services within existing NHS facilities, this model maximises capacity without the need for external infrastructure. It enables trusts and health boards to meet demand more efficiently, maintain continuity of care and improve clinical outcomes.

Clinicians follow local protocols and integrate seamlessly with existing teams, ensuring high standards and minimal disruption. Whether addressing backlogs in surgery, diagnostics or outpatient care, insourcing helps restore timely access for patients while supporting system resilience and recovery. See how Xyla, part of Acacium Group, is partnering with NHS Lanarkshire to reduce the Oral and Maxillofacial surgery backlog.

Health and wellbeing programmes

Preventative care helps individuals reduce health risks and avoid long-term complications. Structured programmes in diabetes prevention, smoking cessation and weight management are delivered in ways that are accessible, culturally appropriate and rooted in local communities. These services support healthier lifestyles, reduce future demand on healthcare systems and contribute to more equitable outcomes.

Having supported over 850,000 referrals through the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, this model consistently delivers above-average results and can be tailored to Scotland’s priorities.

Mental health support

Accessible mental health services improve recovery rates, reduce stigma and strengthen community resilience. In remote and underserved areas, digital therapy provides seven-day-a-week access to qualified psychologists. The service achieves high engagement and recovery outcomes. Co-designed with local stakeholders, it overcomes barriers such as connectivity and cultural stigma, offering scalable support that meets real community needs.

Transitioning from analogue to digital is having a huge impact in Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, where after implementing Xyla’s digital mental health service, 100% of referrals were offered an appointment within three weeks, far exceeding the national target of 18 weeks.

Complex care at home

Receiving care at home enhances quality of life, supports independence and reduces hospital admissions. Clinically led services for adults and children with complex needs, from neurological conditions to palliative care, ensure continuity and personalisation. Even in remote areas, individuals benefit from high-quality support tailored to their condition and environment.

Pulse Nursing at Home, part of Acacium Group, works collaboratively and flexibly with providers to deliver seamless transitions and rapid hospital discharges. Clinician-led teams provide solutions where other providers cannot, enabling individuals to lead fulfilling lives in their communities. Read some of their stories.

Empowering local communities

Locally designed services foster trust, inclusion and long-term impact. By working in partnership with NHS boards, local authorities and charities, care is delivered in ways that reflect community priorities and cultural contexts. Mobile units, rural outreach and local staffing models ensure services are responsive and equitable.

Participation in national initiatives such as Our Future Health demonstrates the ability to mobilise clinical teams at scale, contributing to research and innovation while delivering tangible benefits to diverse communities.

Reduce health inequalities in the next decade

With a proven track record and scalable solutions, we help partners turn policy into practice delivering care that’s inclusive, effective and rooted in local needs. To explore how your organisation can meet the goals of Scotland’s Population Health Framework, contact Murray Chalmers, Head of Devolved Nations and Ireland: murray.chalmers@acaciumgroup.com