This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Galbraith welcomes first annual report of Scottish health advisory service
09/10/1998
Scottish Health Minister Sam Galbraith today welcomed publication of the first annual report of the Scottish Health Advisory Service (SHAS).
SHAS was set up in 1970 principally to prevent abuse or neglect of long-stay patients by inspecting NHS services and facilities. Their main purpose is to improve the quality of care and life for ill and disabled people.
Mr Galbraith said:
"I have no doubt that the report and the messages it contains will be well received by the NHS, and will enhance the credibility which attaches to your organisation and individual members.
"I welcome your plans for a conference to address concerns brought out in your report with regard to hospital closures and provision of appropriate community based facilities. I know that your concerns and the conference will be considered against our policy that no hospital should close or individual long-stay patient transfer unless and until the appropriate alternative care accommodation and support are available and properly resourced."
BACKGROUND
1. SHAS is a creation of The Scottish Office, funded from the centre but working independently and without interference from the NHS Management Executive.
2. It reviews services and publishes reports of its inspection findings. It uses its influence to improve and monitor services both independently and in partnership with other organisations, for example the Mental Welfare Commission.
3. The annual report covers the tasks undertaken by SHAS during 1997/98 both on their internal work programme (including re-structuring, improving methodology, training and development), and the external programme (covering site inspections - 20 - joint projects and publication of an Advocacy Guide).
News Release: 2040/98
9 October 1998