Service change continuity plans
Scottish Government should ensure that where major changes in patient services are planned there should be clear and effective plans in place for continuity of safe patient care.
- The Scottish Government's response detailed the requirement for clear and effective continuity plans when major changes in patient services are planned, embedded within the broader framework for health and social care integration.
- The Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019 (provisions in force from 1 April 2024) places duties on NHS Health Boards to ensure appropriate staffing levels during all periods including service transitions, requiring real-time identification of staffing risks and procedures to address them (Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2019/6)).
- Healthcare Improvement Scotland's role in scrutinising service changes provides external assurance that patient safety is maintained during transitions. HIS has the power to intervene, including directing ward closures, where patient safety is at risk.
- The Scottish Patient Safety Programme (SPSP), launched in 2008, provides a framework for maintaining safety standards during periods of organisational change, with Patient Safety Essentials embedded across NHS Scotland.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSection 2.1 of the Scottish Government's response details the intention to develop a longer-term plan for health and social care, and the integration of health and social care services. This integration aims to improve care, create better outcomes, and ensure seamless, joined-up care by planning and delivering services around the 'whole person'. Flexibility is built in to ensure integration reflects local needs and priorities, with professionals and communities involved in planning and delivering services.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Scottish Government response committed to ensuring clear plans for continuity of safe patient care during service changes. National Clinical Strategy for Scotland (2016) and subsequent workforce planning frameworks address service change management.
View detailed findings
Service change continuity is addressed through strategic planning frameworks but no specific enforcement mechanism was created.