Infections: policy context

From 1st April 2020, a new body, Public Health Scotland, took over the functions of Health Protection Scotland, in line with recommendations included in the 2016 Health and Social Care Delivery Plan.

In 2022, Scottish Government published a Public Health Protection and Health Security framework (1.09 MB), which looks at devolved competency of public health protection and health security. The framework is intended to implement an optimum operating model and governance arrangements between the UK Government, the devolved administrations and the public health agencies of the UK.

In 2023, Scottish Government published a Healthcare Associated Infection (HCAI) strategy 2023 to 2025, with the overall aim to reduce the incidence of HCAIs and aid Health Boards in their recovery from COVID-19. Similarly, The Infection Prevention Workforce: Strategic Plan 2022-2024 (821 KB) looks at the infection prevention and control post COVID-19 pandemic and how to best support the development of healthcare workforce in the light of the pandemic effects.