Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSD Scotland) will replace NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and NHS National Services Scotland (NSS), bringing the strengths of the two boards together.

The new organisation will lead on workforce planning and development, service infrastructure and innovation, with a particular focus on digital transformation. It will accelerate national programmes, alongside continued delivery of all existing NES and NSS services, delivering safer, more consistent and efficient care for people.

Professor Karen Reid has been appointed as Public Services Delivery Scotland's chief executive. She is currently chief executive at NES.

Health secretary, Neil Gray, said: ‘Establishing PSD Scotland is an important step in our journey towards transforming the health of the nation – supporting faster access and safer, more consistent services wherever people live.

‘By bringing together national education, digital and support functions we will reduce duplication, scale what works, giving frontline teams more time with patients.

‘This approach flows directly from our Service Renewal Framework and Population Health Framework, putting prevention, community-based support and digital innovation at the heart of how care is delivered.'

Reid said: ‘By uniting expertise from NES and NSS, Public Services Delivery Scotland will empower our staff to deliver outstanding care and support, ensuring that services are both innovative and responsive to the needs of communities throughout Scotland.

‘I'm truly excited to work collaboratively with our skilled and committed colleagues, both within the new organisation and beyond, to provide improved, high-quality health and social care services that are efficient, fair, and prepared for the future. Together, we will create a more sustainable, joined-up system that puts our people and communities at the heart of everything we do.'

PSD Scotland chair Keith Redpath said: ‘PSD Scotland brings together the strengths of NSS and NES in a way that allows us to work efficiently and consistently across Scotland's health and care system. As we move into this next phase, our commitment is to maintain continuity of essential services, support our staff through the transition and build a strong foundation for the years ahead.

‘The new Board for PSD Scotland brings together a wide range of skills, leadership, experience and perspectives that will be essential as the organisation is established. Their insight and stewardship will ensure strong governance, continuity and direction as PSD Scotland begins its work on 1 April 2026.'