Completed programmes
National On-boarding Team for Closed Loop Systems (CLS)
In February 2023, a Value Case was approved to create a national CLS onboarding team, working closely with Health Boards, to provide dedicated on-boarding capacity to deploy CLS devices to individuals with type 1 diabetes. In 2021/22 the Scottish Government invested £14.6 million to improve patients access to a range of diabetes technologies. However, some Health Boards faced challenges rolling the devices to patients within the expected timeframe.
In May 2024, the Scottish Government announced an £8.8 million recurring investment in diabetes technology, covering the costs of CLS devices and consumables for new starts. This investment reflects the success of the National Diabetes CLS Onboarding Programme, which will continue to be funded for the 2024/25 period to support its national rollout.
The National Diabetes CLS Programme has now transitioned to a 'business as usual’ phase within the National Elective Coordination Unit (NECU) at the Centre for Sustainable Delivery, NHS Golden Jubilee.
A long-term business case is being developed to outline future requirements and ensure sustained support for the programme. The national team will continue to provide CLS onboarding training, education, and support to health boards across Scotland, welcoming ongoing referrals.
The national team will collaborate with NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) procurement and the Scottish Government to coordinate the central bulk purchase of CLS devices, manage board funding allocations, and support the CLS device ordering processes.
Find out more about the National Diabetes Closed Loop System Onboarding Programme.
Cyto Scot
In April 2023, a Strategic Case was approved to introduce Cyto Scot, an alternative diagnostic technique involving oesophageal cell collection.
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma has increased in incidence by some 6-fold over the last 20 years in Scotland, having one of the highest incidences in the world. Cyto Scot offers a faster, simpler alternative to endoscopy procedures.
In 2021, 11mainland Health Boards were using Cyto Scot services, funded by Scottish Government. Initial analysis found an 88% decrease in endoscopy requirement.
Cyto Scot has now successfully migrated to business as usual across Scotland.