Our work programme for 2011/12

Due for release: 23 February 2012 for the Auditor General

Summary: Audit Scotland published a report on the efficiency of orthopaedics in March 2010. It identified significant variation across Scotland and scope to use resources more efficiently and improve how services are managed. We propose to use the same methodology to review cardiology services.

The performance audit will assess spend, activity (numbers of admissions, length of stay, day cases and outpatients), productivity and clinical outcomes across NHS boards and aim to identify potential improvements in efficiency. We are working closely with NHS Quality Improvement Scotland and have agreed to delay our fieldwork until its review of the heart disease clinical standards is completed at NHS boards so we can make use of its findings.

Due for release: 1 March 2012 for the Auditor General / Accounts Commission

Summary: Many people depend on social care services, including older people living in care homes or receiving help at home or other support services; children at risk and their families; people with physical, sensory or learning disabilities and those with mental health needs. Good commissioning of social care services is essential to ensure that high quality, sustainable services are available to all those who need them. Social care services are mainly arranged and delivered by councils, but councils also need to work closely with National Health Service (NHS) boards as many people receive health and social care services at the same time and expect a joined-up service.

This performance audit will review the effectiveness of strategic commissioning of social care services. We will consider how councils and their partners work with service users and carers to identify what services are required, and how they work with organisations in the voluntary and private sectors to plan and deliver social care services.

Due for release: 15 March 2012 for the Accounts Commission

Summary: An overview of local government in Scotland 2011.

Due for release: 22 March 2012 for the Auditor General / Accounts Commission

Summary: The Commonwealth Games is a major event for Scotland, involving significant amounts of public money and affecting the country’s international profile and reputation. Audit Scotland published its first report on planning for the delivery of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in
November 2009. This was the first in a planned series of performance audits, monitoring and reporting on progress.

This performance audit will look at progress against Audit Scotland’s recommendations, a review of legacy plans and progress with associated capital projects.