The Essentials of Safe Care is a package of evidenced-based guidance that supports Scotland’s health and social care system to deliver safe care.
Essentials of Safe Care package
The package was first launched in March 2021. It was designed in partnership with health and social care teams across Scotland. It describes the essential elements of safe care and signposts to a range of resources to help teams deliver this.
Review of the Essentials of Safe Care 2025
The purpose of the 2025 review, was to ensure the package of support continued to reflect new and emerging safety priorities. And that it included the most relevant evidence and guidance.
Review process
There were four phases to the review process:
- March – April 2025: Literature searching and horizon scanning
- April – July 2025: Stakeholder engagement and co-design
- Aug – Sep 2025: Testing and refining package
- Oct – Nov 2025: Launch and embedding throughout programmes
Working with stakeholders
We worked with a range of stakeholders to co-design the refreshed package of support. This included NHS boards, health and social care organisations, third sector, royal colleges, public sector bodies and public partners.