About ScotPHO

The Scottish Public Health Observatory (ScotPHO) is provided by Public Health Scotland.

We aim to provide a clear picture of the health of the Scottish population and the factors that affect it. We contribute to improved collection and use of routine data on health, risk factors, behaviours and wider health determinants. We take a lead in determining Scotland's future public health information needs, develop innovations in public health information and provide a focus for new routine public health information development where gaps exist.

We achieve this through our website, by publishing a variety of one-off reports and by contributing to and leading national public health data projects. Through our work we help those involved in public health and health improvement in Scotland access and use the information they need to understand and improve Scotland's health and reduce health inequalities.

We work closely with the Scottish Government's Health Analytical Services Division, Government colleagues who run ScotStat and others involved in public health intelligence in Scotland and beyond. We link to users of local and national health information through the Public Health Information Network for Scotland (PHINS). We also link with the Scottish Public Health Network (ScotPHN) to promote best use of public health information.