Until 2010, all NHS Boards in Scotland produced an annual self assessment to demonstrate how well they have carried out their obligations regarding the involvement of patients and members of the public in providing services, which were then reviewed by the Scottish Health Council. From 2010-2011, Boards will now self-assess against the Participation Standard which will allow assessments to be carried out in a more consistent way across all NHS Boards. The Participation Standard can be seen at www.scottishhealthcouncil.org
The Standard covers three aspects of participation:
- Patient Focus - care and services are provided in partnership with patients, treating individuals with dignity and respect, and are responsive to age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation and transgender status.
- Public Involvement - there is supported and effective involvement of people in service planning and improvement.
- Governance - robust corporate governance arrangements are in place for involving people, founded on mutuality, equality, diversity and human rights principles
Participant Standard Summary Report 2010/11