We hear directly from patients, families and healthcare professionals to understand the real experiences behind safety concerns.
We're an independent office dedicated to listening, investigating, and improving patient safety across Scotland's health and care system.
Our Purpose
We hear directly from patients, families and healthcare professionals to understand the real experiences behind safety concerns.
We examine the evidence, identify emerging risks and explore where systems may be failing patients.
We make clear, independent recommendations to drive meaningful change and improve patient safety.
Hello, I’m Karen Titchener and I am Scotland’s first Patient Safety Commissioner.
This office has been created to be an independent voice for patients and families, and a champion for safer healthcare across Scotland.
Too often, people experiencing harm or raising concerns feel unheard, unsupported or unsure where to turn. That must change.
My role is to listen carefully to the experiences of patients, families and the public, to identify where risks and failures exist, and to use those insights to influence improvement across the healthcare system.
This is not about looking at individual cases in isolation — it is about understanding what those experiences tell us about the wider system, where learning is needed and where change must happen.
I am committed to openness, independence and ensuring that patient voices help shape safer care for everyone.
I invite you to learn more about our work, share your experiences and be part of improving patient safety in Scotland.
The work of the patient safety Commissioner listens to the narratives of patients, families and health care professionals to inform patient safety themes. The office also regularly engages with NHS boards and partner organisations.
Recommendations can be made to any public and private sector organisations with regards to patient safety in Scotland
The Commissioner will regularly publish investigations and thematic reports. An annual report is also required for The Scottish Parliament alongside the creation of a strategic plan.
The Commissioner cannot provide clinical advice.
The Commissioner does not replace complaints or legal processes.
The Commissioner cannot intervene in emergency care decisions.
The Commissioner may not investigate every individual issue raised.