Chamber and committees

On 31 May, the Scottish Government published Re-mobilise, Recover, Re-design: The Framework for NHS Scotland . This sets out the guiding principles that will underpin the approach to the next phase for the NHS; and how we will make critical decisions guided by clinical prioritisation. The document sets the broad direction not only for re-mobilising and recovering the NHS, but recognises that there have been some very positive innovations (e.g. how patients can access more services digitally) that we want to retain. The aim is to set out a clear and evidence-based methodology that promotes as much robust and informed decision making as possible; recognising that we are not be able to resume everything at the same time. The Framework recognises that local circumstances will be a key determinant for how and when services can be resumed, alongside clinical prioritisation. The Framework has been informed by on-going engagement with key stakeholders including Royal Colleges, Academies, unions and others. This will continue, with patient representation, under a Recovery Group to be set up by the Health Secretary.

NHS Boards submitted their plans to end July 2020 and these have been subject reviewed by the Scottish Government. We are working with Health Boards to get to a position where all mobilisation plans are ready to be formally signed off and fully implemented. In the meantime certain key services are being commenced where it is clinically safe to do so. Boards will be asked to keep their plans under constant review, and to continue to review the clinical prioritisation of services. This work will be cognisant of national guidance/policy frameworks.

A further phase of mobilisation planning, to the end of March 2021, will be commissioned in the near future.