Healthcare Improvement Scotland is inviting health, social care and community partners to help shape new Urgent & Unscheduled Care Standards for Scotland.
The standards will support the planning, commissioning and delivery of urgent and unscheduled care across a range of settings, including hospitals, primary care, Hospital at Home services, care homes and independent health and social care providers. They will cover key themes including person-centred and trauma-informed care, leadership and governance, workforce, service planning, information sharing, partnership working and reducing health inequalities.
The proposed scope recognises that many people access urgent care due to wider issues such as mental health, frailty, homelessness, substance use, safeguarding concerns and social crisis, making this an important opportunity for Third Sector organisations to influence how community support is recognised within future national standards.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland is seeking feedback on:
- The proposed areas within scope.
- Any gaps or additions that should be considered.
- The proposed membership of the standards development group.
In addition to the consultation, two online focus groups are being held for those involved in delivering urgent and unscheduled care:
- Wednesday 22 July 2026, 10am – 11am: Focus on delivery of care in remote and rural settings.
- Thursday 23 July 2026, 12pm – 1pm: Focus on all care settings.
Places at the focus groups are limited and attendees will be contacted to confirm their place.
The consultation closes at 5pm on Thursday 30 July 2026.
To find out more and get involved, read the draft scope, register your interest in a focus group via the dedicated Microsoft Form, or complete the consultation (all linked for your convenience).
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