Completed programmes
National On-boarding Team for Closed Loop Systems (CLS)
In February 2023, a Value Case was approved to create a national CLS onboarding team, working closely with Health Boards, to provide dedicated on-boarding capacity to deploy CLS devices to individuals with type 1 diabetes. In 2021/22 the Scottish Government invested £14.6 million to improve patients access to a range of diabetes technologies. However, some Health Boards faced challenges rolling the devices to patients within the expected timeframe.
In May 2024, the Scottish Government announced an £8.8 million recurring investment in diabetes technology, covering the costs of CLS devices and consumables for new starts. This investment reflects the success of the National Diabetes CLS Onboarding Programme, which will continue to be funded for the 2024/25 period to support its national rollout.
The National Diabetes CLS Programme has now transitioned to a 'business as usual’ phase within the National Elective Coordination Unit (NECU) at the Centre for Sustainable Delivery, NHS Golden Jubilee.
A long-term business case is being developed to outline future requirements and ensure sustained support for the programme. The national team will continue to provide CLS onboarding training, education, and support to health boards across Scotland, welcoming ongoing referrals.
The national team will collaborate with NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) procurement and the Scottish Government to coordinate the central bulk purchase of CLS devices, manage board funding allocations, and support the CLS device ordering processes.
Find out more about the National Diabetes Closed Loop System Onboarding Programme.
Cyto Scot
In April 2023, a Strategic Case was approved to introduce Cyto Scot, an alternative diagnostic technique involving oesophageal cell collection.
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma has increased in incidence by some 6-fold over the last 20 years in Scotland, having one of the highest incidences in the world. Cyto Scot offers a faster, simpler alternative to endoscopy procedures.
In 2021, 11mainland Health Boards were using Cyto Scot services, funded by Scottish Government. Initial analysis found an 88% decrease in endoscopy requirement.
Cyto Scot has now successfully migrated to business as usual across Scotland.
Digital Dermatology
In 2023, a Value Case was approved to support the implementation of Digital Dermatology Image Capture as part of the referral pathway, supported by £1.8 million of Scottish Government funding.
The dermatology pathway includes capturing triage‑quality digital images at the point of referral in primary care, which are securely transferred to dermatology services. This enables clinicians, where clinically appropriate, to triage, diagnose and assess patients without the need for a face‑to‑face appointment. This improves productivity, reduces waiting times and supports quicker access to advice and treatment.
The rollout of the Digital Dermatology pathway began with early adopting Health Boards in November 2024, with full national coverage achieved by August 2025. This programme was a collaborative effort involving ANIA, NHS Scotland partners, Health Boards and the technology supplier, supported by clinical leadership and digital and technical expertise.
The Digital Dermatology Image Capture pathway has now transitioned to business as usual, with national support provided by the Modernising Patient Pathways Programme and the Public Services Delivery Scotland Service Management Team.
Ongoing activity will continue to support the consistent use of high‑quality image capture within referrals, improving referral quality. Building on existing Active Clinical Referral Triage (ACRT), this will enable more timely and effective clinical triage and ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate care pathway.
Find out more about the Digital Dermatology Image Capture Programme. Digital Dermatology Education and Training Resources | Turas | Learn