The Scottish Government is proposing changes to the reporting template for Health Boards. RCN Scotland has two concerns with the changes (1) the continued failure to comprehensively link what is being reported upon to any outcomes to which the Act purports to contribute or achieve and (2) the reduction in ease of comparability between Health Boards performance.

The proposed revised template (1) requires only a short summary of “key achievements and outcomes as a consequence of carrying out the duties and requirements in the Act.” This will not capture the success or otherwise of the many and varied constituent parts of the Act to the contribution to or achievement of outcomes. The requirement should apply to the reporting on each section. (2) reduces the ability for the reader to easily compare performance between Health Boards and risks obscuring the extent to which Health Boards are enjoying success or otherwise with respect to the implementation of the many and varied constituent parts of the Act.