Raising concerns to Healthcare Improvement Scotland

If you have raised your concerns locally, or do not feel able to go through this route, NHS Scotland staff can contact HIS in confidence. You can contact us about potential concerns relating to the safety and/or quality of patient care. This is done under the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA).


This legislation protects whistleblowers from detrimental treatment by their employer. It gives statutory protection against victimisation and dismissal to workers who speak out.

We have a legal obligation to respond to concerns about the safety and/or quality of patient care. These concerns can be raised by NHS Scotland staff. They can also referred to us by another organisation.

Issues around HR-related matters and financial management are out with our remit.

In most circumstances we would not assess a concern that relates to an event that was over 12 months ago. All concerns are assessed within the context of the current safety and quality of care of the service(s) they relate to.

The information template should be used. You should summarise your concerns and provide contextual information.

If you would like to raise a concern with us, complete our information template. Send it to: his.respondingtoconcerns@nhs.scot