Assessing and triaging requests
Published on 18 August 2022
All proposals for a new national specialist service or national network are subject to a robust decision making process via the following groups or committees
NSD Strategic Management Group Clinical
Upon receipt of a new application, the NSD SMGC will conduct a full review and objective assessment against strict criteria to determine if the application moves onto the next stage. The group consists of:
- Director of NSD
- PCF Medical Director
- Associate Directors x 5
- National Medical Advisor
- Public Health Consultants x 2
National Specialist Services Committee (NSSC)
We coordinate the NSSC which considers and advises NHS boards and Scottish Government on the provision of nationally designated specialist services for Scotland. NSSC evaluation and planning of these services involves a systematic approach to decision making. This centres on patient need and clearly defined evaluation criteria. The process is set up to ensure fairness and transparency around producing high-quality, consistent and evidence based specialist services.
NSSC is chaired by an NHS board chief executive. It comprises representatives from each territorial NHS board in Scotland. Members cover a variety of disciplines, including:
- Medical Directors
- Directors of Public Health
- planning representatives
- finance representatives
- workforce representatives
NHSS National Planning Executive Group
The NHSS National Planning Executive group will consider applications against national planning criteria – volume, variation, workforce, disruptive technology. Proposals that don’t meet national criteria could be routed to other levels of planning (regional or local).
At each stage the proposer may be asked to provide further clarification on information submitted and will be kept informed of progress of their application.