One of Scotland’s leading healthcare innovation bodies has backed the Chief Medical Officer’s new message that current challenges can be matched by progressive thinking and ‘bravery’ in ambitions to achieve a healthier country

CMO Professor Sir Gregor Smith’s annual report for 2025-26, entitled ‘Our Path Ahead’, reflects on “the magnitude of challenge” ahead, noting that “the status quo is not sustainable and is not an option”.

However, it also insists we are amid “a moment of opportunity” with “real cause for optimism”.

Prof Smith states: “Across every part of the health and care system, the environment in which we work is shifting faster than our traditional models were designed for. The magnitude of challenge – from demographic change to digital disruption, from widening inequalities to the planetary health crisis – demands clarity of purpose and the courage to act differently.

“No health system has unlimited resources, so stewardship is a core responsibility, essential to achieving the outcomes that matter most.

“But there is real cause for optimism. With patients and communities at the heart of what we do, change and adaptation can be a force for good, even in unsettled times.”

He notes that Scotland’s Population Health Framework, in tandem with emerging technologies, offer positive new approaches to care and “signal a moment of opportunity”.

However, Prof Smith also adds that “change will not be immediate” and taking a fresh path “requires not only innovation, but realism; not only ambition, but stewardship; not only new tools, but renewed trust. Harnessing the benefits of disruptive innovation whilst protecting the human element of care will allow us to take these next steps on our path with hope”.

InnoScot Health shares the CMO’s optimism for evidence-based progression and believes that he is correct to assert that innovation is a key pillar among many in an environment where people and their lived experience have to remain at the centre of vital decision-making.

The organisation’s Executive Chair, Graham Watson said: “The CMO is right to note that innovation must remain patient-led if it is to be truly effective. It must always start with the person and aim to meet a particular identified need right from the outset.

“He is also correct to say that innovation should be key to building trust during this challenging period, against a backdrop of diverse legacy systems in place across the country, making unified change difficult, as well as tighter resources, and higher demand from an ageing population.

“These are issues that will not be solved overnight, but Scotland’s undoubted capacity for progressive, collaborative thinking across NHS, industry, and academia in creating tested technologies is a tremendous unifying force which can overcome many barriers, and we must embrace its opportunities.

“Bravery is required in some regards but the benefits of making the leap are clear – from greater operational efficiency to better patient outcomes, economic growth, and lowered emissions.”

Graham added: “Of course, Scotland’s healthcare innovators also need the country’s wider support in their ambitions to be brave as breakthroughs are rarely achieved in isolation. Our forward-thinkers require clearly defined collaborative assistance in their ambitions to turn concept into reality, not to mention guidance on how to leverage new tech like AI both responsibly and safely.”

The CMO states that “meaningful improvement comes when AI is used to enable thoughtful pathway redesign – reimagining services in ways that make best use of technology while protecting and strengthening the relationships at the heart of careful and kind care”.

He adds: “Across Scotland, digital tools such as telecare, video consultations, remote monitoring and home-based diagnostics can support models of care that are more proactive, responsive and convenient. These innovations do not replace the need for clinical judgement and personal connection but can enhance them when used well.”