Heart Voices

Related links for Scotland

If you live in Scotland

Heart groupIt’s vital that you’re able to have your say on how the NHS is run in Scotland.  Understanding how the NHS works will strengthen your voice. 

Find out how NHS Scotland is organised, and get the information you need about organisations that can help you get heard.

Take action now:

Take part in the Scottish Government’s consultation on the Integration of Adult Health and Social Care in Scotland.

Take part in the Scottish Government’s consultation on the Charter of Patient Rights & Responsibilities.

Get heard in Scotland

In Scotland there are two main ways to go about having your say on how health servics are run.

The Scottish Health Council

The Scottish Health Council exists to promote and monitor Patient Focus and Public Involvement in the NHS in Scotland.  If you’re living in Scotland and looking for an opportunity to have your say about how the NHS is run, then this is your first port of call.

Contact your MSP

If you have a specific issue or campaign in mind, you may also want to consider writing to your Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP).  You can find out which MSP represents you by visiting scottish.parliament.uk or calling the Scottish Parliament enquiries line on 0131 348 5000.

 

The NHS in Scotland

NHS - Scotland

By engaging with local and national services I have a chance to shape future service provision for patients and carers and have a positive impact on others lives

Find out more

The Scottish Government Health Directorate

The Scottish Government Health Directorate (SGHD) is responsible for the development and implementation of health and community care policy across Scotland.  It also has overall responsibility for NHS Scotland.  The Director General of NHS Scotland heads up the Health Department.  The Health Department oversees the work of the NHS Boards.

NHS Area Health Boards

Delivery of health services in Scotland is done through 14 NHS Area Health Boards. These Boards ensure that health services are delivered effectively within their area, and the standard of care provided is of a high quality.  The boards are also responsible for planning which services to provide.

Special NHS Boards

Special NHS Boards work across the whole of Scotland.  Examples of these include the Scottish Ambulance Service, the Health Education Service and NHS 24.  These services are delivered nationally by Special Boards, rather than locally by NHS Area Health Boards because logistically a national approach is more cost effective.

Managed Clinical Networks

Specialist services such as Cardiac services are coordinated through Managed Clinical Networks (MCNs).  These are “virtual” organisations that bring together the whole range of services someone with a cardiac condition might have contact with during their care.  The MCNs help to break down communication barriers between the different services, with the aim of providing patients with efficient and joined-up care.

Health Care Improvement Scotland

Health Care Improvement Scotland has an overarching responsibility for monitoring and improving the quality of healthcare in Scotland. It has an emphasis on involvement and co-operation.