Public to help monitor NHS boards

Ministers will assess the performance of 23 health bodies

Health officials are to be questioned by ministers and members of the public over the performance of their boards.

Ministers are to review the performance of Scotland's 23 national health authorities over the next four months.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon and Public Health Minister Shona Robison will examine how well each of them is delivering services.

Performances will be scrutinised at public meetings, starting on Monday with NHS Dumfries and Galloway.

Similar meetings are scheduled for each of Scotland's 14 area boards and nine special boards, including NHS 24, the Scottish Ambulance Service and the National Waiting Times Centre.

Key areas

Ms Sturgeon said it was right to hold NHS managers to public account.

"The annual reviews will highlight success and give credit where credit is due," she said.

"But I also want to use these reviews to challenge when necessary, scrutinise local performance and drive forward further improvement."

The annual reviews will cover key areas including activity and efficiency, waiting times, regional planning, public involvement, finance and future plans.