In Scotland, where the Commission for Health Improvement's remit will not apply, health minister Sam Galbraith promised 'decisive action' over poor performance in the health service.

He said all new trust boards would be required to include a medical and nursing director alongside a chief executive and finance director.

And clinical governance 'to ensure not just that systems are in place but that action is taken to remedy poor performance and promote improved practice' would build on 'Scotland's acknowledged lead' in setting clinical standards.