National Centre for Sustainable Delivery Autumn Newsletter
Pharmacogenetics
Neonatal testing programme shortlisted for HSJ Award
The Neonatal Gentamicin Point of Care Testing programme has been shortlisted for the Acute Sector Innovation of the Year category at the HSJ Awards 2026, due to takeplace on Thursday 19 November.
The programme uses a rapid bedside genetic test to identify newborn babies at risk of permanent hearing loss before treatment begins, with more than 1,300 babies across Scotland already benefiting from the innovation.
Cancer Improvement and Earlier Diagnosis
Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services continue to support earlier diagnosis
New figures from Public Health Scotland highlight the impact Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services (RCDSs) are having for patients across Scotland.
In 2025, more than 4,400 referrals were made to RCDSs, with 239 patients diagnosed with cancer and referred to specialist cancer services. Patients diagnosed with cancer received their diagnosis within an average of 17 days from referral.
Led by the Centre for Sustainable Delivery through the Scottish Government's Detect Cancer Earlier Programme, RCDSs support patients with non-specific symptoms to access assessment, diagnosis and treatment more quickly.
Read more about Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services
World Head and Neck Cancer Day campaign supports earlier diagnosis
To mark World Head and Neck Cancer Day, the Centre for Sustainable Delivery's Cancer Improvement and Earlier Diagnosis Team worked with Cancer Research UK and Scotland's Chief Dental Officer to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer among NHS dental teams across Scotland.
Dental teams play an important role in identifying head and neck cancers at an early stage, helping patients access assessment and treatment as quickly as possible.
As part of the campaign, awareness packs were distributed to NHS dental teams alongside promotion of the Scottish Referral Guidelines for urgent suspicion of cancer referrals, assessment criteria and safety-netting resources to support early identification and appropriate referral.
Find out more about the campaign
New publication highlights updates to cancer referral guidelines
A new article published in the British Journal of General Practice outlines the key clinical changes made during the recent review of the Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer, led by the Centre for Sustainable Delivery.
The article highlights evidence-based changes designed to support timely cancer referral and earlier diagnosis across Scotland.
Learn more about the referral guidelines
Digital Diabetes Remission
Digital Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme launches in NHS Lanarkshire
The National Digital Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme is now live in NHS Lanarkshire, extending access to a digital pathway that supports people living with Type 2 Diabetes across Scotland.
Introduced through the Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) pathway and endorsed by NHS Scotland, the programme helps people access support on their remission journey closer to home.
Find out more about the Digital Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme
Planned Care Improvement
New resource supports people living with chronic pain
Chronic pain affects around 38% of people in Scotland and can have a significant impact on daily life, including work, relationships, sleep and wellbeing.
To help people better understand and manage their condition, resources are available to provide information, support and practical advice. Understanding pain is an important step towards helping people feel more confident in managing their symptoms.
Find out more about chronic pain support
National pathway supports critical care in small and remote hospitals
The National Small and Remote Critical Care Pathway has been developed to support a more consistent approach to critical care across Scotland.
The pathway aims to improve patient safety and quality, support staff delivering High Dependency Unit (HDU) care, and ensure equitable access to care for patients in smaller and remote hospitals.
This work supports a Once for Scotland approach to critical care delivery and helps reduce variation in care across the country.
Explore the National Small and Remote Critical Care Pathway
Sustainable Healthcare
Green Healthcare Scotland supports more sustainable healthcare across NHS Scotland
As part of Climate Week 2026, Green Healthcare Scotland highlighted work to support more sustainable healthcare across NHS Scotland.
Through practical improvements in renal, endoscopy and theatre services, alongside research, innovation and national collaboration, the programme is helping reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-quality patient care. Initiatives have contributed to reported savings of more than 14,000 tonnes of CO₂e.
The Clinical Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) also continues to bring together healthcare professionals to share learning, innovation and best practice in sustainable healthcare.
Find out more about Green Healthcare Scotland
Centre for Sustainable Delivery Team
CfSD colleagues come together for annual All Staff Day
Colleagues from across the Centre for Sustainable Delivery recently came together for the annual All Staff Day to reflect on achievements from the past year, share updates and look ahead to future priorities.
A highlight of the day was hearing how CfSD programmes, services and national clinical pathways are improving access to care and supporting patients and NHS staff across Scotland through real-world examples and patient stories.
Find out more about the team and the work they do
CfSD shares national improvement work with First Minister and Health Secretary
Colleagues from the Centre for Sustainable Delivery recently presented to the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care on how the organisation is supporting NHS Scotland to deliver sustainable improvement at a national scale.
The discussion highlighted how CfSD works with NHS Boards, clinicians and partners across Scotland to improve access to care, reduce unwarranted variation, support innovation and deliver better outcomes for patients.
The presentation showcased work across planned and unscheduled care, cancer improvement, innovation and sustainability, demonstrating how national priorities are being translated into practical improvements for people across Scotland.
