Health and social care - surge preparedness: national planning priorities and principles
This revised framework sets out a consistent approach to preparedness, resilience, surge and winter planning across Scotland’s health and social care system, establishing principles, priorities and expectations to support systems in strengthening resilience and maintaining safe, person-centred care.
Section 7: Related Policies, Frameworks and Guidance & Conclusion
Purpose
This Framework should be used alongside wider national policy, improvement and resilience programmes across health and social care to support improved outcomes, strengthen resilience and promote a coordinated approach to preparedness and planning.
Local systems should consider this Framework alongside relevant national strategies, legislation and guidance when developing and delivering local arrangements.
Strategic Frameworks
Local planning should align with:
- Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework
- Population Health Framework
- NHS Scotland Operational Improvement Plan
- Health and Care Improving Flow Plan
Together, these frameworks support improved outcomes, prevention, population health improvement, service renewal, flow and sustainable health and social care delivery.
National Policy and Legislation
Local systems should have regard to:
- Getting it Right for Everyone (GIRFE)
- Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019
- Carers (Scotland) Act 2016
These frameworks and legislation support person-centred care, workforce sustainability and recognition of unpaid carers as key partners in care and resilience.
Emergency Preparedness and Resilience
Preparedness arrangements should align with:
- Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) Guidance
- Covid-19 Inquiry recommendations
- Civil Contingencies Act 2004
- Preparing Scotland Guidance
- Business Continuity and Organisational Resilience Guidance
These arrangements support readiness for pandemics, major incidents, civil emergencies and periods of exceptional demand.
Supporting National Programmes
Local planning should also take account of relevant national programmes and improvement activity, including:
- Urgent and Unscheduled Care
- Hospital at Home
- Discharge Without Delay
- Delayed Discharge Improvement
- Adults with Incapacity (AWI) Improvement Activity
- Primary Care Improvement
- Vaccination and Immunisation Programmes
- Digital Health and Care Programmes
- Community Health and Social Care Improvement Activity