Alex Neil welcomes NHS patient views system

A NEW system to promote the views of NHS patients will be developed by the end of the year, according to the Health Secretary Alex Neil.

Health secretary Alex Neil. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Mr Neil announced the new system ahead of his speech at the NHS Event, which brings together doctors, nurses and other health service workers.

He said: “Our NHS is one of Scotland’s greatest success stories. I have no doubt our health professionals are among the very best in the world.

“I know our NHS faces real challenges. That’s why we have protected NHS funding and increased the workforce.

“We have come a long way in recent years. Waiting times have vastly improved.

“We consistently outperform other areas of the UK while treating more patients than ever before in a safer healthcare environment than ever before.

“But let me be clear - there is absolutely no complacency and we will go on striving for improvement while staying true to the founding principles of our NHS.”

He added: “That is why we must do more to listen to, and promote, the voices of those we care for.

“We need the voices of our patients, those receiving care and their families, to be heard in a much clearer and stronger way.

“The introduction of Patient Opinion has provided a new and vital way to gather views.

“However, we will not stop there. That is why I will be bringing forward proposals for a new system of listening to, and promoting, the patients’ voice.

“I have tasked Healthcare Improvement Scotland and the Scottish Health Council to develop these new proposals.

“Their task is straightforward - develop a system that means we do more to truly hear the voice of patients.”