Decision report 201203292

Summary

Following a review of treatment room services, the board consulted on proposed changes to these. The changes included introducing a new full-time treatment room service at a new site. Mr C complained that the board failed to carry out a meaningful consultation about the changes and said that many GPs and elected officials were concerned about the consultation and the impact of the changes.

Our investigation considered whether there was any administrative fault in the way the board consulted about the changes, particularly in relation to Scottish guidance about consultation. This says that consultations should be proportionate, clear and meaningful. In reaching our decision on the complaint, we took into account advice explaining why the changes do not constitute a major service change. We also noted that key stakeholder groups, including a patient representative group and the democratically elected representative general practitioner body, were involved in the consultation process. After carrying out an equality impact assessment, the board also engaged with public transport services. We were, therefore, satisfied that the board undertook a thorough, transparent and proportionate consultation process seeking input from, amongst others, general practitioners, patients and elected officials and, in doing so, complied with the guidance.