IBMS response: Scotland’s NHS reforms

The Scottish Government has published its Programme for Government 2026 to 2031, setting out a five-year programme of public service reform. Its health proposals include replacing the current 14 territorial NHS Boards with two Strategic Health Boards, coordinating waiting lists across Scotland, shifting more care into communities, introducing a Digital Health and Care Record, and expanding community diagnostics and national genomics infrastructure.

The Institute of Biomedical Science welcomes the focus on improving access, prevention and joined-up care, while recognising the scale of the proposed structural change. For biomedical scientists, the implications extend well beyond governance. Shorter waits, earlier diagnosis and care closer to home depend on sufficient laboratory capacity, reliable diagnostic pathways and a skilled, sustainable workforce.

As services expand into community settings, any point-of-care testing will need appropriate laboratory leadership, with robust quality assurance and professional oversight. The new digital record will also need accurate, interoperable laboratory data if it is to support safe, joined-up care.

Planning services across larger populations could improve access to specialist testing, support the sharing of expertise, reduce unwarranted variation and strengthen workforce planning and service resilience. Realising these benefits will require sustained investment in laboratory infrastructure, digital systems, education and training, and clear career pathways for biomedical scientists.

The IBMS will seek active involvement in the design and implementation of the new arrangements, working through Council and with members in Scotland. We will advocate for biomedical science leadership within the new governance structures and for professional standards, patient safety and workforce sustainability to remain central throughout the transition.

David Wells, Chief Executive of the Institute of Biomedical Science, said:

The Scottish Government has set a clear direction towards more joined-up, preventative and digitally enabled care. Biomedical scientists are essential to delivering that ambition. Earlier diagnosis, shorter waits and care closer to home all depend on safe, sustainable diagnostic services and the skilled workforce behind them.

“The move to two Strategic Health Boards could support better planning and more consistent access across Scotland, but it will be important for the biomedical science profession to be part of the design from the outset. Ultimately, successful reform should strengthen services for patients and create a better supported, more sustainable workforce.

Dr Sarah Pitt, President of the Institute of Biomedical Science, said:

Biomedical scientists understand diagnostic pathways from end to end and know where changes can improve patient care and where safeguards are needed. Their expertise will be particularly important as testing expands into community settings and digital systems become more connected.

The IBMS will work with members in Scotland to bring that expertise into the reform process and help ensure quality, safety and professional standards remain central throughout.

The IBMS will keep members updated as the plans develop and seek opportunities for Scottish members to contribute to the next stage of design.