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NHS Quality Improvement Scotland
16/09/2008
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon will chair NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (QIS) Annual Review today.
NHS QIS works with area Health Boards and any organisation that treats patients and manages health services, driving improvements in quality and safety standards across Scotland.
As part of the Annual Review Ms Sturgeon will see an exhibition by frontline staff of the flagship work carried out this year by NHS QIS including projects to improve autism care, tackle alcohol misuse, improve patients recovery from strokes and fighting infections.
Ms Sturgeon said:
"NHS QIS is an integral part of the NHS in Scotland, protecting the quality of Scotland's internationally renowned healthcare.
"NHS QIS, as with any NHS Health Board, should always strive to provide the best possible provisions, so holding those who manage our NHS boards to account in public is the right thing to do.
"This not only gives credit for the many successes, but helps to tackle tough issues and drive forward improvements.
"At this year's annual reviews extra time has been allocated to allow additional questions from members of the public attending the review.
"I hope people will take the opportunity to attend, ask questions and contribute their ideas to help shape the future of their NHS."
Chairman of NHS QIS Sir Graham Reasdale said:
"NHS QIS has refreshed its strategic direction to deliver a unique combination of advice and guidance, support for implementation, and assessment of the performance of the NHS.
"By employing this cycle of improvement and by bringing together knowledge of all types - scientific research, clinical expertise and patient experience - we can find practical ways to improve the health service.
"The Annual Review is a chance to reflect on our progress and agree the next steps to ensure NHS QIS continues to deliver tangible improvements in the quality and safety of patient care in NHSScotland."