§ 31. Mr. McTaggartTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to improve the quality of service to patients in the National Health Service in Scotland.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Government have provided substantially more finance, capital investment and qualified staff for the Health Service in Scotland—all of which improve the quality of service. We have given priority to the services for those who have to stay in hospitals for long periods; and since an important element in quality is speedy treatment, we have made reduction in waiting times a priority. We shall also be publishing soon an important report on "Quality Assurance in Nursing" which will help health boards review their approach to quality issues in the nursing service.