The health and social care standards set out what we should expect when using health, social care or social work services in Scotland. The aim to provide better outcomes for everyone.To ensure that individuals are treated with respect and dignity and that the basic human rights we are all entitled to are upheld.

The objectives are to drive improvement, promote flexibility and encourage innovation in how people are cared for and supported. All services and support organisations, whether registered or not, should use them as a guideline to achieving high quality care.

What are the standards?

The standards cover:

1. Do I experience high quality care and support that is right for me?
2. Am I fully involved in all decisions about my care and support?
3. Do I have confidence in the people who support and care for me?
4. Do I have confidence in the organisation providing my care and support?
5. Do I experience a high quality environment if the organisation provides the premises?

Who are they for?

The standards are for everyone irrespective of age or ability, we are all entitled to the same high quality care and support. Our aim is that non-registered services also use the standards as a guideline to achieve high quality care. This can be applied to a diverse range of services

• child-minding and daycare for children
• housing support and care at home for adults
• hospitals
• clinics
• care homes

Current best practice guidance can be found on the Care Inspectorate and Healthcare Improvement Scotland websites.