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Critical Care

Background 

Critical care delivery groups were established in each territorial Scottish Board following the publication of the document ‘Better critical care’ by the Scottish Executive Heath Department’s in 2000.  

These groups were created to support a more strategic approach to regional planning and to contribute to operational management of all levels of Critical Care. Over time, the way critical care is planned and delivered has evolved.   

In May 2024, the Scottish Critical Care Specialty Delivery Group (SCCSDG) held its first meeting, taking on many of the responsibilities covered by The Scottish Critical Care Delivery Group (established in 2002).  

Overview 

The SCCSDG brings together multidisciplinary stakeholders to:  

  • explore and deliver the implementation of existing programmes of work  
  • share best practice  
  • explore and implement new approaches to care 

The SDG sets strategic direction for the work-programme in that specialty, including the prioritisation of new work and review of legacy projects. 

The group also provides a national forum for shaping critical care services across Scotland - including the island boards, rural general hospitals and small district general hospitals- to help ensure access to care for the 20% of the Scottish population living in remote or rural areas. 

 

Processes  

The SDG’s is currently focusing on discharge data and patterns, working in in collaboration with: 

  • Public Health Scotland (PHS) and the Scottish Intensive Care Society (SICSAG)  
  • Scottish territorial Health Boards  
  • The Unscheduled Care Team within CfSD 

 

Pathways  

The Scottish Critical Care SDG is developing a Remote and Rural Pathway.They are also exploring the potential development of a Post ICU patient survey. 

Workforce  

The group includes representation from: 

  • Nursing,  
  • Advanced Health Practitioners (AHPs)  
  • Pharmacy  
  • Advanced Critical Care Practitioners (ACCPs)  

 

Innovation  

The SDG is currently receiving updates on two key areas of innovation:

  • Equipment and Standardisation of Consumables (This work is being led by National Services Scotland – NSS) 

 

  • Digital Capabilities, including the use of electronic patient records and data (This work is being led by the Scottish Intensive Care Society – SICS)  

 

Measurement  

The SDG is developing measures to ensure the programmes deliver real benefits for patients. 

This work uses data from the Scottish Intensive Care Society Audit Group (SICSAG), including its minimum standards and quality indicators, to assess performance and impact.