Overall Rules
NHS Scotland is two words.
Only Scottish Ministers can approve exceptions or name changes.
Principles (Applicable to all Boards)
Names must be clear, logical and descriptive.
The term “NHS” (for National Health Service) must be used at the beginning of the name – except where noted under permitted exceptions noted to the right.
Names must be written out in full, without use of acronyms and abbreviations – except where noted on page 11 – never shortened to NHSS or similar otherthan in exceptional circumstances such as a website domain name or social media use.
Territorial NHS Boards
Must contain a recognisable and geographically relevant reference, following the protocolled naming structure of ‘NHS + geographic reference’.
Ampersand exception: Permitted only in the logos of NHS Dumfries & Galloway and NHS Ayrshire & Arran.
National NHS Boards (formerly Special Boards)
- Must use the NHS letters in the name.
- Permitted exceptions:
- Scottish Ambulance Service Board
- State Hospitals Board for Scotland – commonly known as The State Hospital
- Common Services Agency forthe NHS in Scotland – commonly known as NHS National Services Scotland
- NHS Scotland Education Board for Scotland – commonly known as NHS Education for Scotland.
New NHS Boards
New NHS Boards, which adopt the NHS name, must follow existing naming conventions and brand guidelines.
Partnerships
General naming principles apply to partnership arrangements where the NHS Scotland brand is used.
Names should clearly indicate the nature of the arrangement by including a term such as Partnership, Alliance, Collaborative to distinguish it from NHS organisations.
Process to change an organisation’s name
While NHS Board names are well established, changes may be considered if they offer clear benefits to patients and the public.
Any change to the name, identity or logo of an NHS Scotland organisation requires approval from Scottish Ministers.