PEOPLE IN Tayside and Fife will get a chance to grill Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon over the summer, writes Marjory Inglis, health reporter.

Ms Sturgeon has just announced her programme of NHS annual reviews, which are held in public and place the performance of individual health boards under scrutiny.

Up until now members of the public attending these reviews have had little more than observer status, although written questions could be submitted in advance.

Yesterday Ms Sturgeon said that this year, for the first time, members of the public attending the review would be allowed to ask questions and the session would be extended to allow for that.

Members of the public will still be able to submit written questions through the Scottish Health Council in advance of the annual review and the local health board will prepare answers.

Speaking ahead of the review process, Ms Sturgeon said, “I want the public to be full partners in the delivery of NHS services and that’s why it is vitally important that they get the opportunity to participate in annual reviews.

“The NHS board chairs and I look forward to answering questions members of the public have about their local health services and hearing their views.

“The annual review process is a key element of the scrutiny of NHS services and it is absolutely right that those who manage our health service are held to account in public.

“I hope people will take the opportunity to attend and participate in their local annual review.

“These meetings will provide opportunities to question the key decision-makers, who are setting the agenda for the NHS across Scotland and delivering health services in local communities.

“As well as highlighting success and giving credit where credit is due to NHS staff who deserve enormous praise for their work, I want these annual reviews to tackle the tough issues, scrutinize local performance and drive forward further improvement.”

The NHS Fife review will take place at the Rothes Halls in Glenrothes on June 16.

NHS Tayside is set to come under scrutiny on September 1.

Further details will be released later.