Review into NHS Forth Valley progress

A review says NHS Forth Valley "needs sustained improvement", but progress has been made.

Audit Scotland says the health board has responded well since being placed in special measures by the Scottish Government

The decision was taken after NHS Forth Valley leaders were "unable" to tackle performance-related issues.

The report says progress has been made, since agreeing an improvement plan.

Chief Executive Cathie Cowan stepped down in September, with an interim boss in place.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said:  

“The board has responded positively to the escalation framework and has put appropriate governance arrangements in place.  

“It is critical that sustained progress is made under the new leadership and sufficient resources are in place to drive forward the change needed.” 

In a statement, NHS Forth Valley said:

"The report concludes that NHS Forth Valley is responding positively to escalation, has put appropriate governance arrangements in place and has made progress in the months since agreeing an initial Escalation Improvement Plan.

It highlights the importance of sustaining this progress and ensuring that sufficient resources are in place to drive forward the change needed.

The external auditor also reported that NHS Forth Valley continues to have effective budget setting and monitoring arrangements in place as well as appropriate arrangements for the prevention and detection of fraud and error. It recognises that although the Board met its financial targets for 2022/23, there remains significant financial sustainability challenges for the future In addition, it recognises that some of the challenges the Board faces are not unique to NHS Forth Valley and are being felt by boards across Scotland."