Service Change
NHS boards have a statutory duty to involve people in designing, developing and delivering healthcare services.
This can include involvement in reviewing existing services and planning new services, or it may be consulting people on changes to the way in which services are delivered.
Our Service Change Team can offer advice and support to NHS boards and Integration Joint Boards on ways to improve their engagement process when considering changes to a service.
We provide advice to NHS boards (including special health boards such as the Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS 24) and Integration Joint Boards across Scotland. We provide a consistent source of information and advice on how to improve public involvement in service change. We also have a role in quality assuring public engagement on changes that are categorised as major.
Guidance for NHS boards
NHS boards and Integration Authorities must follow guidance on informing, engaging and consulting with local communities about changes to services. We assess how well they have followed this guidance
Find out moreResources
We have produced resources to help NHS boards, integration authorities and local councils effectively engage with patients, carers and the public in planning and developing local services.
Find out moreReports
For major changes to services, we assess whether NHS boards have met Scottish Government requirements to consult and engage local communities.
Find out moreEngagement in service change workshops
Our workshops can help you learn more on how to engage with people and communities about service change.
Find out moreAnimations
Watch our animation videos explaining what Service Change is and how it is used across the service.
Find out moreIndependent Scrutiny Panels
Independent Scrutiny Panels were convened by the Scottish Government to consider proposals for major changes in local NHS services in Scotland between 2007 and 2009.
Find out more