Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 17 January 2017
To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS boards must follow the guidance in the Treasury's Green Book when carrying out an options appraisal of infrastructure investment.
The Scottish Capital Investment Manual (SCIM) provides guidance in a NHS context on the sector-specific processes and techniques to be applied in the development of infrastructure and investment programmes and projects within NHSScotland.
Within the SCIM, the Option Appraisal Guide builds on the HM Treasury Green Book guidance and specific Scottish Government guidance issued on assessing Value for Money. The guidance is mandatory for all NHSScotland Bodies taking forward infrastructure investment proposals. The Option Appraisal Guide is the primary guide for information regarding investment appraisal in NHSScotland and it should be read in conjunction with both the Green Book, which remains an authoritative guide to the principles of appraisal and evaluation, and the SCIM Business Case Guide.