Key Contact: Colin Brown, Senior Manager Programme Development, 0131 623 4317
Background
NHS QIS has undertaken a considerable amount of work in relation to community hospitals in Scotland with much of it led by the former NHS QIS Community Hospitals Project Group. NHS QIS has worked as part of the national Scottish Executive Community Hospitals Strategy Group and commenced new work to inform the development of the national strategy including a stocktake of the locations, services and activity levels of community hospitals in Scotland.
Work to date
The work done to-date underlines that community hospitals are an important element of health service provision for many communities across Scotland particularly in remote and rural areas. The role and potential of community hospitals has been recognised and it is important that the services located in, and provided from community hospitals are safe and effective; and that local communities can be assured that services will be provided to a consistent level of quality.
In the context of the publication of the national strategy, the establishment of Community Health Partnerships, and the implementation of Delivering for Health, NHS QIS will be developing a strategic work programme for primary care including extended primary care which will consider the types of services provided in community based settings including community hospitals.
Next Steps
NHS QIS will continue to work closely with NHS Boards to ensure that the range of standards and guidance is applied to all relevant areas of NHS service provision, including community hospitals. NHS QIS will work with NHS Boards, professional bodies and key stakeholders to determine the extent of further development work necessary to support the range of NHS services for local communities.
Related Documents
Stocktake Report December 2004 (PDF, 1.68MB, 4min 11secs)
Executive Summary of Stocktake Report (PDF, 851K, 2min 4secs)
Links
- Clinical Governance and Risk Management Standards
- Scottish Executive Health Department
- Scottish Association of Community Hospitals