1. Record number of junior doctors take up posts

    Scotland excels in medical education and training.

  2. United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - concluding observations 2023: SG initial response

    This report sets out the Scottish Government’s (SG) initial response to the UN Committee’s Concluding Observations. It outlines the progress made in relation to children’s rights in Scotland since the publication of the Position Statement of November 2022

  3. Child protection learning and development 2024: national framework

    Framework to support multi-agency learning and development relevant to child protection in Scotland. This highlights key learning for all workforces according to the level of responsibility they have for child protection.

  4. Prostitution - challenging and deterring men's demand: strategic approach

    Sets our our collective approach, working with stakeholders across the wider public and third sector, to challenge and deter men’s demand for prostitution and support those with experience of it.

  5. Am Plana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh: Sgrìobhainn Chochomhairleachaidh

    This consultation covers the content of the national Good Food Nation Plan. It seeks views on the Outcomes; ways of measuring progress; and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions. This is a Gaelic translation of the consultation.

  6. Geàrr-iomradh air a' Phlana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh

    The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government. This is a Gaelic summary of the Plan.

  7. National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation - easy read

    Easy read version of our consultation on the national Good Food Nation Plan, which sets out the Government's goals for food and how we will achieve them.

  8. National Good Food Nation Plan

    The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes for a Good Food Nation; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of a wide range of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government.

  9. National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation

    We are consulting on the first national Good Food Nation Plan. We are seeking views on the national Good Food Nation Outcomes, ways of measuring progress and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions.

  10. Women's health plan: second annual progress report - January 2024

    The Women's Health Plan aims to improve health outcomes and health services for all women and girls in Scotland. This second annual report provides a summary of the progress made on delivering the Plan.

  11. Community pharmacy Naloxone emergency holding service: equality impact assessment

    This publication provides the results of an Equality Impact Assessment on the Community Pharmacy Naloxone Emergency Holding Service.

  12. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - quality prescribing strategy: improvement guide 2024 to 2027

    This quality prescribing guide is intended to support clinicians across the multidisciplinary team and people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in shared decision-making and the effective use of medicines, and offers practical advice and options for tailoring care to the needs and preferences of individuals.

  13. Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill: consultation

    We are committed to protecting, respecting and championing the rights of people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people. This consultation on proposals for a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill seeks the views of everyone on how we can do this.

  14. Scottish Household Survey 2022: Key Findings

    Selected findings from the 2022 Scottish Household Survey, organised by topic area.

  15. Endometriosis: lived experience insight report 2023

    Details the findings from a series of endometriosis lived experience interviews. It seeks to raise awareness of endometriosis by providing an insight into experiences of accessing care and support across Scotland and how living with endometriosis can impact a person’s quality of life.

  16. Primary care - mental health and wellbeing: outcomes and measures

    The outcomes and measures framework provides an outline of outcomes, measures and indicators to demonstrate the system and people benefits associated with mental health in primary care provision.

  17. NHS recovery plan: progress report 2023

    An annual report for 2023 setting out progress on the NHS Recovery Plan 2021to 2026.

  18. Mapping Of Professional Qualification Routes and Continuous Professional Learning Opportunities relating to Psychological Trauma, in the Children and Families Workforce

    Commissioned as part of the National Trauma Transformation Programme, this research aimed to map the learner journeys of five sectors of the Children and Families workforce including School Nursing, Health Visiting, Children and Families Social Work, Residential Childcare and Secure Care.

  19. Preparing for Emergencies Guidance

    This guidance provides advice, considerations, and support from a strategic lens for Health Boards to effectively prepare for emergencies in compliance with relevant legislation.

  20. NHS Scotland: support and intervention framework

    The NHS Scotland support and intervention framework is one of the key elements of our evidence-based approach to monitoring performance and managing risk across the NHS in Scotland.

  21. General Practice Access Short Life Working Group: access principles

    High level core access principles to support and enhance people’s experience of accessing ‘The Right Care, Right Time, Right Place’.

  22. General Practice Access Short Life Working Group: access principles - easy read

    Easy read version of the General Practice access principles paper.

  23. Health and social care: winter preparedness plan 2023-2024

    This winter plan represents a whole system approach to responding to a surge in demand for health and social care services and sets out the actions to help relieve pressure points across the system. The measures outlined are applicable throughout the year when we may face increased pressures.

  24. Becoming a skilled worker visa sponsor: guide for GP practices

    Guidance designed for General Practices in Scotland looking to becoming host visa sponsors to support International Medical Graduates working in Scotland.

  25. Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community 2023

    This report highlights our continuing support for the Veterans and Armed Forces community in Scotland and provides an update on this year’s achievements and work undertaken to improve support and access to services for our Armed Forces, Veterans and their families.

  26. Value based health and care: action plan

    Sets out the actions to support health and care colleagues practise Realistic Medicine and deliver value based health and care, by focusing on outcomes that matter to people, optimising use of health and care resources, and contributing to a more sustainable health and care system.

  27. Enhancing rural healthcare

    New National Centre to support rural and island communities.

  28. Quality prescribing for respiratory illness 2024 to 2027 - draft guidance: consultation

    We are consulting on this draft guide which aims to optimise treatment outcomes in the management of respiratory illness. Produced by Scottish Government, NHS Scotland and Experts by Experience, it builds on the 2018 to 2021 strategy. It promotes person-centred care, the 7-Steps process for medicine reviews and shared decision-making.

  29. National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 - updated 2023

    This guidance describes the responsibilities and expectations for all involved in protecting children and will support the care and protection of children.

  30. Independent Review of Audiology Services

    Report into hearing care and treatment published.

  31. Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland

    Review report and recommendations from the Independent Review of Audiology Services in NHS Scotland. The Review was announced by the Scottish Government in January 2022 in the context of failings in the standards of care provided in the NHS Lothian Paediatrics Services.

  32. Increased fees for NHS dentists

    Improved payment system to expand services.  

  33. NHS Scotland - climate emergency and sustainability: annual report 2021 to 2022

    Report for 2021 to 2022 providing information on; greenhouse gas emissions arising from the operations of NHS Scotland, actions which have been taken or are underway to reduce NHS Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact, and actions to adapt to climate change.

  34. National Islands Plan: implementation route map 2023

    Details how we will deliver on the commitments in the National Islands Plan, over the coming year.

  35. Primary care improvement plans - implementation progress summary: March 2023

    This publication provides a summary of the current progress towards implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Scottish Government, the SGPC, Integration Authorities and NHS Boards.

  36. Discovering meaning, purpose and hope through person centred wellbeing and spiritual care: framework

    The framework reflects the considerable developments resulting from the increased professionalism in spiritual care over the last twenty years. It firmly establishes the role of spiritual care as an integral part of health and social care provision.

  37. Realistic Medicine - Doing the right thing: Chief Medical Officer annual report 2022 to 2023

    Chief Medical Officer's (CMO) third annual report, and the seventh on Realistic Medicine. It reflects on the challenges our system is facing and asks professionals to practise Realistic Medicine, in order to deliver value based health and care and a more sustainable system.

  38. Time Space Compassion - supporting people who are having a suicidal crisis: guide - easy read

    Easy read version of the Time Space Compassion introductory guide to supporting people in suicidal crisis. It has been developed for use by people and services who regularly come into contact and support people in suicidal crisis.

  39. New dementia strategy for Scotland: Everyone's Story

    The new Dementia Strategy for Scotland is a 10-year vision for change. This strategy was developed in collaboration with people with lived experience and our wider partners. It is the culmination of eight months of engagement with people across Scotland, focussed on how we improve delivery

  40. Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start

    This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.

  41. Launch of NHS Community Glaucoma Service

    Treatment offered closer to patient's home.

  42. Welcome to Scotland: a guide for Service personnel and their families - updated 2023

    Welcome to Scotland is a guide to support service personnel and their families upon their move to Scotland. Due to the moving nature of service personnel and their families they can be transferred to different bases. This booklet gives key information on what to expect when moving to Scotland.

  43. National Islands Plan Annual Report 2022

    The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2022 reporting year.

  44. Improved patient care and safety

    Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland joint pharmacy project.

  45. Dementia strategy - national conversation: what people told us

    High-level summary of the collective written and oral evidence we received on our national conversation to information a new dementia strategy. It outlines the range of responses received, as well as the evidence-based rigour we brought to this analysis through using thematic analysis techniques.

  46. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME-CFS): good practice statement

    Guidance to support the diagnosis and management of ME/CFS in primary care. This was originally published in 2010 and we have partially updated it to insert key recommendations from the NICE Guideline on ME/CFS published in October 2021.

  47. Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill: scoping work analysis 2022 - easy read

    Easy read version of a report summarising the findings of the Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill pre-consultation exercise.

  48. Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill: scoping analysis 2022

    This report summarises the findings of the Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill pre-consultation exercise. It is an analysis of 30 workshops carried by Scottish Government and its partners with people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

  49. Health and social care: data strategy

    Scotland’s first data strategy for health and social care, setting out how we will work together in transforming the way that people access their own data to improve health and wellbeing; and how care is delivered through improvements to our systems.

  50. Health and social care: data strategy - executive summary

    Executive summary of the data strategy for health and social care.

  51. National carers strategy

    Unpaid care is vital to how social care is provided in Scotland, and the value of the dedication and expertise of carers cannot be overstated. This strategy sets out a range of actions to ensure they are supported fully in a joined up and cohesive way.

  52. National carers strategy: executive summary

    Unpaid care is vital to how social care is provided in Scotland, and the value of the dedication and expertise of carers cannot be overstated. This strategy sets out a range of actions to ensure they are supported fully in a joined up and cohesive way.

  53. Rare disease action plan

    Scotland’s first action plan for rare disease sets out the actions that we, our NHS, partners and stakeholders will take to improve the lives of people in living with a rare disease. The plan supports the shared priorities of the 2021 UK Rare Diseases Framework.

  54. Personal protective equipment - future supply: consultation analysis

    Analysis of the consultation on the future supply of pandemic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Scotland. We sought views on the lessons we should learn from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the proposed new strategic arrangements for pandemic PPE supply in Scotland.

  55. Ending HIV transmission in Scotland by 2030

    The HIV transmission elimination proposal has been developed by Professor Rak Nandwani and an expert group made up of clinicians, academia and third sector partners. The proposal contains 22 recommendations to ensure progress is made to meet our goal of zero transmissions in Scotland by 2030.

  56. Drug and alcohol services - co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns: survey

    This report presents the results of a survey of individuals working within services that provide support to people who use drugs or alcohol. It forms part of a wider rapid review of co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns in Scotland.

  57. Acute Oncology Service (AOS) in NHS Scotland: principles

    Lays out the agreed key principles that underpin an effective Acute Oncology Service (AOS) in NHS Scotland and outlines the clinical standards and proposed outcome measures against which services can be developed and monitored.

  58. Health and social care - data strategy: consultation analysis

    An independent analysis of the responses to our public consultation to inform the development of Scotland’s first data strategy for health and social care, due for publication in early 2023.

  59. Care in the Digital Age: delivery plan 2022 to 2023

    The national delivery plan describes activities supporting Health Boards, HSCPs, local authorities, primary care, social care, social work, and care providers to offer new or improved services, whether through improved systems and infrastructure, or access to digital services.

  60. Video consultation scheme for patients rolled out to community hubs

    Up to 40,000 consultations taking place every month.

  61. Social Care: IRISR privacy notice easy read

    Information about data processing during the stakeholder engagement process as part of The Independent Review of Inspection, Scrutiny and Regulation.

  62. Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community 2022

    This report highlights our continuing support for the Veterans and Armed Forces community in Scotland and provides an update on this year’s achievements and work undertaken to improve support and access to services for our Armed Forces, Veterans and their families.

  63. Healthcare awareness campaign launched

    Latest step in £600 million winter resilience plan.

  64. Health and social care strategy for older people: consultation analysis

    An analysis report of the responses received to the consultation on a health and social care strategy for older people held in 2022.

  65. Social care inspection: consultation – themes and questions - easy read

    We are calling for evidence to support the Independent Review of Inspection, Scrutiny and Regulation (IRISR) of social care support which will also include a range of in person and virtual stakeholder events. This easy read guide provides more information about the themes and questions in the consultation.

  66. Social care inspection: suggested event dates – easy read

    We are supporting the Independent Review of Inspection, Scrutiny and Regulation (IRISR) of social care support by launching a call for evidence and a range of in person and virtual stakeholder events. This easy read guide provides more information and will help find out what people think about the dates of these events.

  67. Planned care waiting times

    Significant progress in clearing two year waits.

  68. Charter of patient rights and responsibilities - revised: June 2022

    Summarises what you are entitled to when you use NHS services and receive NHS care in Scotland, and what you can do if you feel that your rights have not been respected.

  69. Helping detect cancer earlier

    Rapid Diagnostic Services to be established in a further two areas.

  70. Preparing the NHS for Winter

    More than £600 million to support services.

  71. National conversation to inform a new dementia strategy: discussion paper

    This is a discussion paper we developed to help people respond to our national conversation on the future of dementia policy in Scotland.

  72. Creating Hope Together: suicide prevention strategy 2022 to 2032

    Scotland's Suicide Prevention Strategy covering the period from 2022 to 2032.

  73. Creating Hope Together: suicide prevention action plan 2022 to 2025

    Scotland's Suicide Prevention Action Plan covering the period from 2022 to 2025.

  74. Creating Hope Together - suicide prevention strategy and action plan: equalities impact assessment

    Equalities impact assessment (EQIA)for Scotland's suicide prevention strategy and action plan.

  75. Hospital at Home

    £3.6 million to expand services.

  76. Health and Care Experience Survey 2021 to 2022: technical report

    This report provides information on the technical aspects of the 2021/22 Health and Care Experience Survey, including development, implementation, analysis and reporting.

  77. Health and Care Experience Survey 2021 to 2022: national results

    The Health and Care Experience Survey asks about people’s experiences of accessing and using their GP practice and Out of Hours services, aspects of care and support provided by local authorities and other organisations; and caring responsibilities and related support.

  78. Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS): information

    This leaflet provides information on how to Self-refer to a Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS). It provides information on accessing healthcare through NHS Scotland for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted.

  79. Support for Ukrainians in Scotland

    Access to healthcare and social security benefits.

  80. Strokes: progressive stroke pathway

    The progressive stroke pathway, produced by the National Advisory Committee for Stroke (NACS), sets out a vision of what progressive stroke care in Scotland should comprise.

  81. Primary Care Health Inequalities Short-Life Working Group: report

    This report identifies recommendations to maximise primary care’s significant potential to tackle health inequalities and inequity across Scotland’s communities. The accompanying “Chance to Change Scotland” report also provides lived experience perspectives on the issues addressed in this report.

  82. Those with COVID-19 symptoms to contact their GP

    Return to pre-pandemic procedures.

  83. Apprenticeships key to supporting NHS

    Delivering quality workforce.

  84. Dental services for all

    Revised arrangements will reward dentists for seeing more NHS patients.

  85. More funding to improve patient services

    £82.6m to help deal with winter pressures on GP practices.

  86. Keeping eye exams free on the NHS

    Increase in fees paid to optometry practices for free examinations.

  87. Increasing mental health support in GP practices

    Funding to reach £40 million a year.

  88. General Practice support over Winter and beyond

    £30 million will help support more face-to-face appointments.

  89. Supporting women’s health

    Temporary contraception available from pharmacies.

  90. Expanding primary care

    £7 million to improve and grow the primary care estate.

  91. Pharmacies ensuring swift patient care

    More than 2 million consultations with NHS Pharmacy First.

  92. Scotland Welcome Pack for British Nationals (Overseas) from Hong Kong

    A guide for adults and dependants who have been granted leave on the new British National (Overseas) visa to access public services and make the most of the opportunities in Scotland.

  93. Removal of NHS dental charges for all young people

    £7.5 million to support dental sector.

  94. Emergency response to drug overdose

    Ambulance clinicians issue life-saving kits.

  95. Free NHS dental care for young people

    600,000 people to benefit from extension of free care.

  96. Remobilising NHS dentists

    £5 million to help meet safety standards and see more patients.

  97. Redesign Urgent Care: paediatric pathway to flow navigation centres - review

    The Redesign of Urgent Care programme seeks to promote significant transformational change in how urgent care can be delivered for the people of Scotland. A multidisciplinary short life working group was convened to consider the implications of including individuals aged 12 in this new pathway.

  98. Redesign of urgent care: equality impact assessment

    Impact assessment (EQIA) for the redesign of urgent care to ensure patient safety during the winter period while the NHS continued to respond to the pandemic.

  99. Advanced nursing practice - transforming nursing roles: phase two

    Follow-up paper to the Transforming Roles paper on Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) published in December 2017.

  100. The NHS Medicines: Care and Review service at your local pharmacy

    The NHS Medicines: Care and Review is an NHS service in community pharmacies to provide support to people who have a long-term condition and help get the best from their medicines.

  101. NHS Ayrshire and Arran - redesign of urgent care - pathway finder programme: rapid external review

    The National roll out of the Redesign of Urgent Care was informed by a Rapid External Review of NHS Ayrshire & Arran Pathfinder site that went live on 3 November 2020. The review was chaired by Sir Lewis Ritchie and Commissioned by Interim Chief Executive NHS Scotland to monitor preliminary issues.

  102. Coronavirus (COVID-19): phased resumption of eye care services - EQIA

    This equalities impact assessment (EQIA) describes the phased resumption of services since 29 June 2020 and any impact on protected characteristics groups.

  103. Early medical abortion at home

    Consultation on future arrangements.

  104. Support for video appointments

    Digital consultations helping people get the right care in the right place.

  105. Community optometrists to support eye care services

    Help for those with sight-threatening conditions.

  106. Expansion of services in NHS dental practices

    Procedures to be re-introduced.

  107. Right Care, Right Place

    NHS Pharmacy First Scotland offers expert help in the community.

  108. Getting the right care in the right place

    New campaign to help people get the healthcare they need.

  109. Remobilisation of NHS Dental services

    Urgent care to be made widely available.

  110. Uptake in those with urgent health concerns using NHS

    Research shows Scots now more likely to go to hospital or GP with non COVID-19 symptoms.

  111. Emergency eye care provision

    New centres to reduce the need to attend hospital.

  112. Urgent medical help still available

    New campaign urges people to contact a doctor.

  113. Transport community to help COVID-19 efforts

    Plans to help people attend medical appointments. 

  114. GP practices and pharmacies open for Easter

    Extended opening hours to ensure services available.

  115. Funding for community pharmacies

    £5.5m to ease coronavirus pressures.

  116. Support for GP practices

    Extra help with coronavirus pressures.

  117. Enhanced role for community pharmacists

    Pharmacists empowered to help more patients during COVID-19 outbreak.

  118. Coronavirus (COVID-19) – update following resilience meetings

    Update on position in Scotland following first positive case.

  119. Testing arrangements expanded for coronavirus

    ‘Drive through’ testing introduced for NHS Lothian.

  120. Preparations for coronavirus stepped up

    Scotland prepared for coronavirus outbreak.

  121. Coronavirus travel advice updated

    New guidance for travellers returning from overseas.

  122. Coronavirus becomes notifiable disease in Scotland

    Public Health regulations updated.

  123. Novel coronavirus testing

    Two Scottish facilities established.

  124. Supporting rural GPs

    Health Secretary accepts recommendations.

  125. Attracting more people into frontline healthcare

    Rise in number of people training to be GPs.

  126. Undergraduate medical education: recommendations

    A series of recommendations to increase undergraduate medical education in Scotland by enabling more general practice based teaching in primary care.

  127. Growing the next generation of GPs

    New investment for training medical students.

  128. Funding for improvements to GP practices

    £9.34 million to upgrade premises and IT systems.

  129. Update on flu programme

    Efforts to minimise any delays to children’s flu vaccination.

  130. More posts for trainee doctors

    Funding for Foundation Training.

  131. Improvements in child dental health

    Reduction in fillings and teeth extraction.

  132. Improving Access to Healthcare

    Information cards provide support for new patients.

  133. Health Secretary welcomes cystic fibrosis drug pricing agreement

    Scottish Government discussions secure medicines for NHS Scotland.

  134. GP contract and remote and rural general practice: shared principles and approach

    Joint statement from the SG and the BMA to reflect concerns raised at the rural group meeting in June 2019.

  135. Rise in medical trainee recruitment

    Fill rates are up 4% on last year.

  136. Protecting frontline health services

    Scottish Government to meet cost of NHS employer pension changes.

  137. Home blood pressure monitoring

    Investment in new technology.

  138. Expansion of free personal care

    Free personal care to be extended to people of all ages who are assessed as requiring it.

  139. £50m support for GP practices

    Help to make general practice more attractive. 

  140. Oral health improvement plan

    This document sets out the future of oral health improvement and NHS dental services in Scotland.

  141. National Code of Practice for GP premises

    This Code of Practice sets out the Scottish Government’s plan to facilitate the shift to a model which does not entail GPs providing their practice premises.

  142. Delivering the new GMS contract in Scotland: memorandum of understanding

    Statement of intent and memorandum of understanding between Scottish Government, British Medical Association, Integration Authorities and NHS Board.

  143. Community eyecare services: review

    Report on how eyecare services are currently delivered, with recommended actions which will lead to improvements to meet patients' needs.

  144. Improving Together: A National Framework for Quality and GP Clusters in Scotland

    Complements the development of the Scottish national GP contract.

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