Over 50,000 Stories Shared About NHS Scotland on Care Opinion: A Milestone in Listening and Learning

Care Opinion is proud to mark a significant milestone: more than 50,000 stories have now been shared about NHS Scotland services on our platform. These stories represent the voices of people across Scotland — patients, families, and carers — who have taken the time to share their experiences of care, both positive and challenging.

This milestone reflects a deepening culture of openness, transparency, and continuous improvement across NHS Scotland. It shows the growing commitment, from staff and services at all levels, to listen to the public and to use their insights to shape better care.

In the last financial year alone (2024/25), over 11,000 stories were shared — a remarkable amount that underscores how important it is for people to have a safe, constructive space to tell their stories and be heard.

Beyond the numbers, the real value lies in the impact of these stories. Over the years, people’s feedback has helped shine a light on outstanding care, giving staff and teams the recognition they deserve from the people they serve. It has also highlighted where things haven’t gone so well — drawing attention to issues that might otherwise have gone unnoticed or unaddressed. Many services have used these insights to make timely, meaningful changes that have had a direct and positive impact on patient care and experience.

At the same time, this growing conversation has helped build stronger relationships between the public and healthcare providers, rooted in openness, respect and mutual learning. For NHS staff, reading and responding to stories can be both insightful and uplifting — a reminder of the difference their work makes, and a chance to understand the experiences of those they care for from a different perspective.

These stories are not simply comments on care — they are part of an ongoing national dialogue about what compassionate, person-centred healthcare looks like in practice. And that dialogue is being shaped by the people who know it best: those who use and deliver NHS services every day.

Neil Gray, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care, said:

“I am proud that Scotland was the first country in the world to have an independent national feedback system for health and care services in partnership with Care Opinion. Achieving this landmark of 50,000 stories is a fantastic achievement and testament to our commitment to continually listen and improve.”

Fraser Gilmore, Care Opinion’s CEO said:

“Reaching over 50,000 stories is a powerful milestone — not just for Care Opinion, but for NHS Scotland and for everyone who believes in the value of listening. Each story shared represents someone who chose to speak up, and countless NHS staff who continue to listen and respond with care and integrity. We’re incredibly proud to support this work and deeply grateful to all those who contribute to it.”

As we look ahead, we remain committed to working in partnership with NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government to support safe, effective and compassionate care, through listening, learning, and continuous improvement.”

Thank you to everyone who has shared their story — and to all the NHS teams who have taken the time to read, respond and act.