NHS Scotland waiting times guidance - November 2023: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) of the Waiting Times Guidance: November 2023, considering both positive and negative impacts to patients across NHS Scotland waiting on a new outpatient appointment, diagnostic test or inpatient/ day care treatment.
The Scope of the EQIA
A full EQIA was undertaken because the Waiting Times Guidance 2023 affects a large number of people, impacts people of multiple protected characteristics, and has potential for both positive and negative effects.
The protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act 2010 are:
- Age
- Disability
- Sex
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Gender reassignment
- Sexual Orientation
- Race
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Religion/Belief
The EQIA assessed potential impacts on individuals with protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act 2010, and is mindful of the three needs of the PSED:
(a) Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other prohibited conduct. The updated guidance promotes consistent and equitable application, reducing opportunities for unlawful discrimination.
(b) Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
The policy expands communication options, revises booking processes, and improves access to cross-boundary treatment, therefore increasing overall accessibility. Equality of opportunity will also be enhanced as centres with greater capacity can offer services to patients across Scotland, improving equity of access.
(c) Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
Consent-based communication formats and clinically appropriate reasonable offers, help build trust and transparency throughout the patient journey. Supporting documents such as the National Access Policy and patient information materials complement the guidance. The overall effect of this will have a positive impact on fostering good relations.
Engagement included Health Boards, PHS, and patient input. Although additional information was requested from stakeholders, responses were limited. The EQIA therefore draws on qualitative analysis of available documentation and internal policy expertise. Where negative impacts were identified, mitigations have been incorporated to eliminate or reduce these risks.
Contact
Email: waitingtimespolicy@gov.scot