Plans to slash Scotland's health bodies from 14 to 2 were announced by First Minister John Swinney last month.

InnoScot Health executive chair Graham Watson says the priority of delivering consistent, streamlined work practices can be accelerated through enhanced infrastructure aimed at training the leaders of the future in everything from improving patient experience to spotting innovation opportunities.  

While the NHS Scotland Academy at the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital in Clydebank has proved successful after opening five years ago, Watson believes further initiatives will be required to meet the demands ahead by assisting staff in acquiring specialised skills, blending digital learning with practical training, while identifying and addressing gaps in the workforce.  

He said: ‘The challenge of shaping the future of Scotland's NHS workforce starts now against the backdrop of a major national transition in healthcare delivery. 

‘While an excellent model for how to sow the collaborative seeds of positive, impactful change can be found in the shape of the NHS Scotland Academy as it celebrates its fifth anniversary, we need more – much more in fact.'

Watson said the Academy had made ‘a measurable, meaningful difference to NHS capacity' with its accelerated, partnership-led programmes helping to improve skills, service delivery and patient experience. 

He added: ‘Staff who train there invariably emerge more capable and ready to lead by example in responding to complex workforce challenges. 

‘The Academy also has innovation in its DNA – not only by the cutting-edge nature of its simulation facilities, but in how it teaches staff to look at issues in new ways and challenges them to share their learning with colleagues for better integrated services.  

‘As you'd expect, the Academy offers digital teachings through the likes of Turas, but hands-on learning – so effective in ensuring a consistent, methodical approach in sometimes pressured situations – cannot be delivered remotely. 

‘The real challenge then is in how to replicate Clydebank's practical success in other locations and deliver more high-quality, innovation-driven care to patients across the country.'