R58 Response Accepted AI-assessed

Lay representation on IPC committee

Recommendation

Health Boards should ensure that there is lay representation at Board infection prevention and control committee level in keeping with local policy on public involvement.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to Healthcare Improvement Scotland (2022), its IPC Standards address governance requirements for infection prevention and control committees. According to Healthcare Improvement Scotland (2022-05-01), Scottish Government public involvement standards require patient and public representation in NHS governance, supporting lay representation at Board IPC committee level. According to the Scottish Government's response, this recommendation was accepted in 2015.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.gov.scot, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation requires implementation across many organisations. The assessment reflects central policy response, not adoption in individual organisations.
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Response
Accepted
Accepted Scottish Government
18 Jun 2015

Section 2.1 of the Scottish Government's response outlines several initiatives to ensure patient and public involvement, including the National Health Service Reform (Scotland) Act 2004, which requires NHS boards to involve the public in service planning and design. The Scottish Health Council and the Participation Standard monitor and drive improvement in public involvement, while public partnership forums serve as a link between communities and health services. These mechanisms support the inclusion of lay representation at various levels, including infection prevention and control committees.

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Published Evidence

Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.

Good Progress
01 May 2022
Healthcare Improvement Scotland Other

HIS IPC Standards (2022) address governance requirements. Scottish Government public involvement standards require patient and public representation in NHS governance.

View detailed findings

National standards and governance frameworks support lay representation at IPC committee level.

HIS IPC Standards, May 2022 View Source
Source
Inquiry Vale of Leven Inquiry
Report The Vale of Leven Hospital Inquiry Report 24 Nov 2014
View Source
Responsible Bodies
NHS Health Boards (Scotland) Primary
Themes & Tags
Weak Government Accountability & Scrutiny Informal user feedback Public Involvement Governance
Recommendation age 11.3 yrs
Last formal update 3932 days ago