A legal waiting time guarantee and a legal right to complain are to be introduced under a new package of measures to improve patients' rights.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said improving patients' experience of using health services and ensuring that healthcare is patient-focused were the main aims of legislation published on 17 March.

Measures in the Patient Rights (Scotland) Bill include:

• A 12-week treatment time guarantee
• Establishment of a patient advice and support service
• Bringing in a legal right to complain

To view the Patient Rights Bill.

(News item published 24 March 2010)