About us

Health Rights Information Scotland (HRIS) was established in 2003 and was based within Consumer Focus Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government Health Directorates.
On 1 August 2012 HRIS became part of NHS 24’s Health Information Services Team.

What do we do?

We produce nationally relevant information about patients' health rights and about the health services that are available from the NHS. The information we produce is made available to NHS organisations across Scotland.
We have produced information for a wide variety of people, including the general public, young people and carers.
Our information is available in a number of formats and other languages to meet the needs of as many people as possible. You can find out more about the range of information we produce in the patient information section.
We also provide advice and assistance to other organisations that produce patient information. You can find out more about this in the professionals section.

NHS boards are asked to make HRIS-produced information available to patients and members of the public.
We consult with a wide range of stakeholders including NHS staff, patients, and members of the public during the information development process. This is an important way of making sure that the information we produce meets people’s needs and is accessible in terms of format, language and style.
Our annual work plan is agreed with the Scottish Government and our steering group. Our steering group also provides links between the project and the NHS, the voluntary sector, academics and patient groups.

To improve the availability, accuracy, and consistency of information for patients and members of the public about their health rights.
To ensure the accessibility of any information produced in terms of format, language and style.
To work closely with information providers in NHS board areas to make sure they are aware of our work and the information we produce.
To reduce the burden of information production from NHS organisations by providing national information on topics which are consistent across the NHS in Scotland.
To advise and assist other individuals and teams working in the NHS and voluntary sector to develop quality patient information by promoting best practice.

Page last edited: 19 October 2012