MSPs criticise ‘scant detail’ behind SNP plans for NHS overhaul
Holyrood’s health committee called for ‘much more clarity and transparency’
SNP ministers have been criticised for the "scant detail" behind their plans for wide-ranging NHS reform.
MSPs on Holyrood's health, care and sport committee said they were concerned the proposals had been put forward without a business case or costings.
They said they would expect "much more clarity and transparency" around the process and timescales involved.
The Scottish Conservatives said it was a “devastating verdict on John Swinney’s back-of-a-fag packet plans for Scotland’s NHS”.
The First Minister has pledged to oversee the “the most radical reshaping of public services” in Holyrood’s history.
This includes replacing the current 14 territorial health boards with two strategic health boards.
Trade union leaders have condemned the plans, insisting they will inevitably result in "swingeing cuts and thousands of job losses".
In a letter to Health Secretary Angela Constance, the health committee said the government should publish the evidence base for its initial proposal on NHS reform.
Committee convener Helen McDade 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.”
In its letter, the committee said the need for reform was “well recognised and accepted”.
But it added: “Nevertheless, we are concerned that proposals for such substantial changes have been made before a business case has been developed and we wish to see this as soon as possible.
“The Scottish government should ensure the proposals are subject to a full and proper consultation. 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.
“The Scottish government should publish the evidence base for its initial proposal on NHS reform and set clear outcomes and benchmarks for monitoring progress on ambitions.”
Scottish Conservative health and care spokesman Miles Briggs said: “This is a devastating verdict on John Swinney’s back-of-a-fag packet plans for Scotland’s NHS.
“Cutting bureaucracy in the health service is long overdue, but John Swinney is clearly making it up as he goes along.
“He’s announced plans to slash the number of health boards without a proper plan that outlines how much it will cost and what it will mean for patients and staff.
“This report must be an urgent wake-up call for Swinney and SNP ministers to finally come clean on what they are planning.
“It’s simply unacceptable to keep Holyrood and the wider public in the dark for a moment longer.”
Scottish Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie questioned whether two health boards would be sufficient.
“Scotland’s NHS urgently needs reform - but the Scottish government’s plans are rushed, wholly lacking in detail, and risk making it harder for patients to access care,” she said.
“We have raised our concerns about whether two health boards will be sufficient for the country.
“Instead, Scottish Labour believes there should be a third health board covering the Highlands and north east.
“It is really important that Angela Constance and the government provides much greater detail about these plans, and provides the evidence required to justify the decisions they take.”
Ms 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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