Health and Social Care Structures

Within the remit of Health Improvement Scotland, SHTG is a national health technology assessment (HTA) agency. It provides evidence, support and advice to NHSScotland on the use of new and existing health technologies which are not medicines and which are likely to have significant implications for people's care.

Within the remit of Health Improvement Scotland, SMC is a national source of advice on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of all new medicines for NHSScotland. It accepts for use those newly-licensed medicines that clearly represent good value for money to NHSScotland.

Within the remit of of Health Improvement Scotland, the Network's aim is to improve the quality of health care for patients in Scotland by reducing variation in practice and outcome, through the development and dissemination of national clinical guidelines containing recommendations for effective practice based on current evidence.

Within the remit of Health Improvement Scotland, and previously known as the Scottish Health Council, HIS Community Engagement launched in April 2020 with a focus on: best practice for engaging with individuals and communities to shape local services and influence national policy; equality and human rights to ensure everyone’s voice is heard; collaborating and working in partnership, and sharing learning.

One of 7 NHS Special Boards, Health Improvement Scotland supports the regional NHS Boards by providing a range of specialist and national services. Its broad range of work includes the regulation of independent hospitals and clinics along with a number of organisation which have specific roles: The ihub; Community Engagement; Scottish Health Technologies Group; Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network; Scottish Medicines Consortium; Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group (SAPG); Scottish Patient Safety Programme.

Within the remit of Health Improvement Scotland, the ihub was established to support those who are delivering health and social care across Scotland, including Health and Social Care Partnerships, local authorities, NHS boards, third and independent care sector organisations, and housing organisations.

Within the remit of Health Improvement Scotland, the ihub runs a number of national programmes focused on supporting health, social care and housing partners to deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for people in Scotland.