PRESS RELEASE : Health, Social Care and Sport Committee seek views on proposals for a Patient Safety Commissioner [October 2022]

The Scottish Government’s Patient Safety Commissioner Bill would set up a new role independent of the Government and NHS. The office-holder would have responsibility for promoting and improving patient safety, identifying safety issues within the healthcare system and helping support system-wide improvements.

The Commissioner would also ensure the concerns of patients in relation to patient safety issues are heard and dealt with in a coordinated and effective manner.

The Bill would grant investigatory and information-gathering powers to the Commissioner, who would publish reports on systemic safety issues in patient health care and make recommendations as to how these could be addressed.

Speaking as the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s call for views was launched, Convener Gillian Martin MSP said:

“Patient safety should always be of paramount importance in the provision of healthcare.

“The proposed establishment of a Patient Safety Commissioner aims to ensure patients’ voices are heard with the goal of promoting and improving patient safety across NHS services in Scotland.

“We are keen to learn from those within the sector and from members of the public if they feel this role will benefit patient safety and ultimately lead to better patient experiences across the health service.”

Let the Committee know your views

The call for views will close on Wednesday 14 December.