An independent body set up to monitor the performance of the NHS in Scotland has been welcomed by Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm.

The minister said he was confident NHS Quality Improvement would drive up standards and improve the service provided to patients.

The new body, which officially comes into being on New Year's Day, will replace five discrete organisations which currently monitor clinical effectiveness in Scotland's NHS.

Mr Chisholm said the watchdog would have greater powers to enforce changes in the way health boards and trusts operate and would give patients greater peace of mind.

Malcolm Chisholm said it would help the NHS

He said: "The new board will ensure that services are delivered to nationally agreed standards to ensure that wherever services are delivered patients and their families know what type of treatment and care to expect, and have the assurance that local NHS boards and trusts are being stringently monitored.

"We are removing unnecessary duplication of effort to ensure there are no distractions from the task of improving the quality of healthcare to patients in Scotland."

Mr Chisholm added: "The new organisation will be fully independent and able to respond to the concerns of patients and the public."

He said it would be able to conduct investigations and publish an independent report where a serious service failure has been identified or is suspected.