Health Boards and National Bodies
This page provides an overview of Health Boards and national bodies across NHS Scotland, and how they work together within the wider system.
It will help you understand the different organisations involved, their roles and responsibilities, and how they link to recruitment and workforce processes.
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If you have any questions about the information provided, or if you think additional content would be helpful, please contact the Centre for Workforce Supply at nes.cwsmarketing@nhs.scot.
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Glossary
These organisations contribute to the make up NHS Scotland and its national agencies. Candidates may refer to them in applications, work history or qualifications, however not every Health Board or national body uses an acronym.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| HIS (Healthcare Improvement Scotland) | The national organisation responsible for improving the quality and safety of healthcare services in Scotland. |
| NHS Ayrshire and Arran (NHS AA) | The territorial NHS board providing healthcare services in Ayrshire and Arran. |
| NHS Dumfries and Galloway (NHS D&G) | The territorial NHS board providing healthcare services in Dumfries and Galloway. |
| NHS Forth Valley (NHS FV) | The territorial NHS board serving the Forth Valley area. |
| NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHS GGC) | The largest NHS board in Scotland, providing services across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. |
| NHS Western Isles (NHS WI) | The NHS board responsible for healthcare services in the Western Isles. |
| Public Health Scotland (PHS) | The national body that works to improve population health and reduce health inequalities in Scotland. |
| Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSDS / PSD Scotland) | The organisation that provides support services, including shared services, across public sector organisations. |
| Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) | The national emergency and non‑emergency ambulance service for Scotland. |
| The State Hospital (TSH) | A high secure forensic mental healthcare facility in Scotland which cares for unwell and detained patients. |
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