Healthcare Science in Scotland - Right touch assurance assessment (19 May 2026)

Summary

The letter attached is from Professor Catherine Ross, Chief Scientific Officer for Scottish Government, with an update on the work relating to ‘Healthcare Science in Scotland’ and the theme of ‘quality, safety and, assurance’ as set out in Healthcare Science in Scotland: Defining Our Strategic Approach.   

Content

The Scottish Government has commissioned the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) to carry out a Right Touch Assurance (RTA) assessment of the Healthcare Science workforce.

This work will examine the potential risk of harm to patients, particularly as many roles in Healthcare Science are not currently subject to statutory regulation.

The assessment aims to inform future decisions about whether additional regulation may be needed to strengthen quality, safety and assurance across the profession.

Stakeholder engagement will form a key part of the process, with opportunities to contribute evidence and views. A final report is expected by Spring 2027, after which the Scottish Government will consider next steps.