Understanding regulator ratings can help you compare hospitals and ask the right questions about your care. This guide outlines how Healthcare Improvement Scotland inspections work, what the ratings show, and how this information can be used when discussing treatment options with your consultant.

Introduction

Healthcare Improvement Scotland, often called HIS, is the independent regulator of healthcare services in Scotland. It checks that services meet required standards of quality and safety.

HIS took over regulation of independent healthcare services from the Care Commission in April 2011. Since April 2016, it has also regulated independent clinics.

What does Healthcare Improvement Scotland regulate?

HIS regulates a range of independent healthcare services, including:

• Independent hospitals
• Voluntary hospices
• Private psychiatric hospitals
• Independent clinics

These services are regularly inspected to assess how well they are meeting expected standards.

How do HIS ratings work?

After an inspection, HIS gives hospitals and clinics a rating based on what it has found. There are four possible ratings:

• 4 - Exceptional
  The service is performing exceptionally well.
• 3 - Good
  The service is performing well with some areas for improvement.
• 2 - Satisfactory
  The service is performing at a basic level.
• 1 - Unsatisfactory
  The service has major weaknesses and gives cause for significant concern

Ratings may also be given for different areas of care, which can help show where a hospital is doing well and where it needs to improve.

How can patients use these ratings?

HIS ratings can help patients compare different hospitals and clinics. They can highlight strengths, as well as areas where improvements are needed.

If a hospital receives a lower rating, it will usually be required to put an action plan in place to address any issues. If you are considering treatment, it can be helpful to ask your consultant or the hospital about:

• Any areas where improvements were identified
• What actions have been taken since the inspection
• How this may affect your care

You can visit the Healthcare Improvement Scotland website to read inspection reports and learn more about how services are regulated.