SHI-1 Response Accepted AI-assessed

Communication strategy for patients and families

Recommendation

Health boards must ensure that in the event of any adverse situation that could affect the wellbeing of patients and their families, there is a communication strategy in place to liaise with this crucially important group. The Scottish Government should ensure that this liaison is supported in any overarching communication strategy it may wish to introduce.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the Official government response (13 March 2025) and the SHI-1 Progress update (17 September 2025), the Scottish Government accepted this recommendation on 13 March 2025. According to the update, as of 17 September 2025, discussions were actively taking place between the Scottish Government and NHS Boards to identify gaps in communication planning and to consider if national guidance was required for adverse situations affecting patients and families. According to the available evidence, no specific national guidance or strategy has been published yet.
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.parliament.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
13 Mar 2025

All 11 recommendations accepted by Cabinet Secretary Neil Gray MSP on 13 March 2025. Progress update 17 September 2025: Discussions between the Scottish Government and NHS Boards are actively taking place to identify any gaps in communication planning and consider if national guidance is required.

Read Full Response
Progress Timeline
Scottish Government states: Official Report
17 Sep 2025

discussions between the Scottish Government and NHS Boards are actively taking place to identify any gaps in communication planning and consider if national guidance is required.

Official Report
13 Mar 2025

Cabinet Secretary Neil Gray MSP accepted all 11 recommendations in a parliamentary statement on 13 March 2025.

Source
Source
Inquiry Scottish Hospitals Inquiry
Report Scottish Hospitals Inquiry Interim Report 04 Mar 2025
View Source
Responsible Bodies
Scottish Government Primary
Themes & Tags
Coroner family information gaps Patient dignity and privacy Communication Patient Safety Families NHS Boards Patients
Recommendation age 1.1 yr
Last formal update 17 Sep 2025