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Scrutiny of NHS performance
21/05/2008
Members of the public will have a greater opportunity to take part in this year's scrutiny of health board performance, it was announced today.
In addition to the session given over to answering pre-submitted written questions, introduced last year, this year's review will see an extended session to allow verbal questions from people attending the annual review.
Members of the public can submit written questions to their health board in advance of the annual review through the Scottish Health Council.
Speaking ahead of the review process, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"I want the public to be full partners in the delivery of NHS services and that's why it is vitally important that they get the opportunity to participate in annual reviews.
"The NHS board chairs and I look forward to answering questions members of the public have about their local health services and hearing their views.
"The annual review process is a key element of the scrutiny of NHS services and it is absolutely right that those who manage our health service are held to account in public.
"I hope people will take the opportunity to attend and participate in their local annual review. These meetings will provide opportunities to question the key decision-makers, who are setting the agenda for the NHS across Scotland and delivering health services in local communities.
"As well as highlighting success and giving credit where credit is due to NHS staff who deserve enormous praise for their work, I want these annual reviews to tackle the tough issues, scrutinize local performance and drive forward further improvement."
The dates of this year's annual reviews are as follows:
- June 3 - National Waiting Times Centre - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
- June 16 - NHS Fife - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
- June 23 - NHS Dumfries & Galloway - Chaired by Shona Robison
- July 2 - NHS 24 - Chaired by Shona Robison
- August 6 - NHS Lanarkshire - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
- August 11 - NHS Orkney - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
- August 12 - Scottish Ambulance Service - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
- August 18 - NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
- August 21 - NHS Borders - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
- August 27 - NHS Grampian - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
- August 28 - NHS Highland - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
- Sept 1 - NHS Tayside - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
- Sept 8 - NHS Lothian - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
- Sept 9 - State Hospital - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
- Sept 16 - NHS QIS - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
- Sept 22 - National Services Scotland - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
- Sept 23 - Scottish Health Council - Chaired by Shona Robison
- Sept 30 - NHS Forth Valley - Chaired by Shona Robison
- Oct 1 - NHS Health Scotland - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
- Oct 6 - NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
- Oct 7 - NHS Education for Scotland - Chaired by Shona Robison
- Oct 20 - NHS Shetland - Chaired by Shona Robison
- Oct 23 - NHS Western Isles - Chaired by Nicola Sturgeon
The reviews will cover key areas such as: activity, delivery and efficiency, regional planning, public involvement, finance and future plans.
Information will be issued for each Annual Review detailing times and venues.