Adobe StockA Scottish Parliament committee has called for “clarity and transparency” on the Scottish Government’s proposed NHS reform.
In a letter published on Friday, the Health, Care and Sport Committee said it is concerned about the “scant details” ministers have set out so far about the planned overhaul.
MSPs on the committee have been scrutinising health, care and sport spending ahead of the Scottish Government Budget announcement on December 3.
At its final evidence session, Health Secretary Angela Constance told the committee she had come to the “very strong conclusion” that Scotland’s current 14 NHS boards should be reduced to two.
The committee has now urged the Government to publish the evidence it is basing its proposals on.
Its letter to Constance said: “Given the significant implications of the reforms, we would expect much more clarity and transparency around the process, timescales and the opportunities available for consultation.”
Committee convener Helen McDade said it appears the Government made the reform plans “before a business case was developed”.
She said: “Given the significant and substantial implications of the proposed changes to the NHS, we would expect to have full information available on the scope, costs, engagement and evidence base, instead of the scant details we have been able to access.
“It appears to the committee that decisions have been made by the Government to substantially reform our health service before a business case was developed, before a comprehensive consultation process took place, or a clear indication of the impact the reform will have on patients and staff.”
The letter also sets out the committee’s support for ensuring social care staff are paid at the same rate as NHS workers.
In addition, MSPs asked the Government to “clearly state” how reform will help achieve improvement in areas including financial sustainability, waiting times, workforce pressures, maintenance and buildings and predicted demographic changes.
Constance said: “We welcome the committee’s view that the need for reform of our health and social care system is recognised and accepted.
“Our plans for NHS reform are focused on improving services for people across the country, regardless of where a person lives. They will simplify how people get the care they need and remove the current geographic and bureaucratic barriers that exist between 14 health boards, which we know are currently causing unwanted variation and duplication.
“As I made clear when I gave evidence to the committee, the development of detailed proposals will be supported by a business case and will include engagement with NHS boards, staff representatives, trade unions, local government, integration authorities, social care partners and the public.
“I am also working closely with MSPs and will keep the Scottish Parliament informed as we progress the delivery of a more detailed transition and implementation timeline.”
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