Written Question · S7W-01678 · Session 7
What arrangements are in place to ensure that patients can access diagnosis or treatment where no NHS board is able to accept a referral to…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what arrangements are in place to ensure that patients can access diagnosis or treatment where no NHS board is able to accept a referral to the required specialist service due to capacity or workforce pressures.
The answer
As set out in the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011, where a Health Board is unable to meet the Treatment Time Guarantee within its own area, it must take all reasonably practicable steps to arrange for the provision of the agreed treatment by—(a) another Health Board;(b) the National Health Service in England, Wales or Northern Ireland;(c) an authorised provider; or(d) another suitable alternative provider in the United Kingdom.When pursuing the above options, a Health Board must have regard to the importance of securing the effective and efficient use of the health service organisation and resources.Health Boards also have the option to agree national or regional provision for diagnostic and specialist services.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S7W-01678 by reference.