Scotland revises health and social-care surge preparedness framework
Scotland published a revised framework for health and social-care preparedness, with stronger year-round planning and monitoring of emerging demand pressures.
The framework calls for arrangements to be reviewed, tested and improved. It adds monitoring and escalation indicators and gives greater attention to public understanding of care services, workforce resilience and community support.
What changed
The refresh sets shared planning priorities while supporting local operational plans, including preparations for pandemics, major incidents and civil emergencies.
Who this is for
NHS Health Boards, integration authorities, local authorities and health and social-care partners in Scotland—not a UK-wide household recommendation.
Dates & context
The publication date is 8 October 2026. This is institutional planning guidance, not evidence that extra capacity has been delivered or emergency readiness has been proven. It provides no new clinical instructions for individual patients.
Read the original sources
Nations Prepare provides an independent original summary. Follow current local authority instructions in an emergency.