What is NHS Scotland?

Summary

NHS Scotland currently employs approximately 140,000 staff who work across 14 territorial NHS Boards, seven special NHS Boards and one public health body. Each NHS Board is accountable to Scottish Ministers, supported by the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorates. 

Territorial NHS Boards are responsible for the protection and the improvement of their population’s health and for the delivery of frontline healthcare services. Special NHS Boards support the regional NHS Boards by providing a range of important specialist and national services.

All NHS Boards work together for the benefit of the people of Scotland. They also work closely with partners in other parts of the public sector to fulfil the Scottish Government’s Purpose and National Outcomes.