Information on the terminology we use in our inspection reports.
Areas of good practice
When our inspectors gather strong evidence that an NHS board is doing well in relation to some practices, ways of working or outcomes for patients, this is reported as an Area of Good Practice in the inspection report.
This can then be used to share learning across NHSScotland and to give recognition to the NHS boards involved.
Requirements
A requirement sets out what action is required from an NHS board to comply with the standards published by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
These are standards which every patient has the right to expect.
A requirement means the hospital or service has not met our standards and we are concerned about the impact this has on patients.
We expect all requirements to be addressed and the necessary improvements implemented.