Health and Social Care Standards

The new Health and Social Care Standards (previously called National Care Standards) are based on human rights and wellbeing, and have at their heart the needs, choices and rights of the individual experiencing care. They will help everyone focus on what really matters - the experience of the person who uses care and will also help to support partnership working and improvement in care services.

The Standards are underpinned by five principles: dignity and respect, compassion, be included, responsive care, and support and wellbeing. The principles themselves are not standards or outcomes but rather reflect the way that everyone should expect to be treated.

Is there more information on the Principles?

Yes, you can read more information on each of the principles by clicking on any of the headings below:

Dignity and respect

• My human rights are respected and promoted
• I am respected and treated with dignity as an individual
• I am treated fairly and do not experience discrimination
• My privacy is respected

Compassion

• I experience warm, compassionate and nurturing care and support
• My care is provided by people who understand and are sensitive to my needs and my wishes

Be included

• I receive the right information, at the right time and in a way that I can understand
• I am supported to make informed choices, so that I can control my care and support
• I am included in wider decisions about the way the service is provided, and my suggestions, feedback and concerns are considered
• I am supported to participate fully and actively in my community

Responsive care and support

• My health and social care needs are assessed and reviewed to ensure I receive the right support and care at the right time
• My care and support adapts when my needs, choices and decisions change
• I experience consistency in who provides my care and support and in how it is provided
• If I make a complaint it is acted on

Wellbeing

• I am asked about my lifestyle preferences and aspirations and I am supported to achieve these
• I am encouraged and helped to achieve my full potential
• I am supported to make informed choices, even if this means I might be taking personal risks

• I feel safe and I am protected from neglect, abuse or avoidable harm

Where can I read more information about the standards?

You can read more information about the standards by clicking the links below:

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

Who regulates care standards in Scotland?

The Care Inspectorate is a unified independent scrutiny and improvement body for care and children's services and has a significant part to play in improving services for adults and children across Scotland. They regulate and inspect care services and carry out social work and child protection inspections. They make sure that people receive the highest quality of care and that their rights are promoted and protected.

You can contact the Care Inspectorate at:

Care Inspectorate
Compass House
11 Riverside Drive
Dundee DD1 4NY