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Patient Safety Commissioner for Scotland

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Patient Safety Commissioner for Scotland
Flag of Scotland
Reports toScottish Parliament
NominatorScottish Parliament
AppointerMonarch of the United Kingdom
on the nomination of the Scottish Parliament
Term length8 years
Constituting instrument[1]

The Patient Safety Commissioner for Scotland is a public office to provide scrutiny of care that is independent of both government and the health service.

The commissioner will "advocate for systemic improvement in the safety of health care, including forensic medical examinations, in Scotland and promote the importance of the views of patients and other members of the public in relation to the safety of health care".[1]

They have a remit that covers all health care providers operating in Scotland including the NHS, NHS contracted and independent healthcare providers.[2]

The commissioner will be responsible formal investigations being conducted where there are concerns and safety issues are possible, making use of patients and members of the public. The commissioner has been given the authority to require people to provide information.[3]

History

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An independent review by Baroness Cumberlege into harm sustained by patients reported in July 2020, with recommendations directed towards the healthcare system in England. In September 2020, the programme of government in Scotland set out a commitment to creating the role of a national advocate for patients.[4] On 27 September 2023 the Members of the Scottish Parliament voted unanimously to pass the bill.[5]

The successful candidate will be appointed by His Majesty on the nomination of the Scottish Parliament.[2] The annual cost to staff and run this office is anticipated to be around £645,000.[6] In April 2024 candidates were interviewed by a cross-party panel, but the panel had decided not to nominate any of those applicants, instead preferring to readvertise.[7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Policy > Healthcare standards". Scottish Government. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Patient Safety Commissioner for Scotland. Information for applicants" (PDF). Scottish Parliament. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  3. ^ Taylor, Margaret (19 October 2023). "In context: Patient Safety Commissioner for Scotland Bill". Holyrood. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  4. ^ Christie, Bryan (3 September 2020). "Scotland to create patient champion role". BMJ. 370: m3469. doi:10.1136/bmj.m3469. PMID 32883748.
  5. ^ "MSPs back plan for patient safety commissioner". BBC News. 27 September 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2024.
  6. ^ Wilson, Louise (19 December 2023). "MSPs launch inquiry into commissioners to consider if new approach is needed". Civil Service World. Total Politics. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  7. ^ "Patient safety champion role unfilled a year on". BBC News. 5 August 2024. Retrieved 17 August 2024.