In February NHS Scotland relaunched its ‘It’s OK to Ask’ campaign for 2026, encouraging people across Scotland to feel confident asking questions about their health, care, and treatment options.
The campaign aims to support patients to take an active role in decisions about their health. Whether attending a GP, physiotherapist, dentist, pharmacist, hospital appointment, or any other healthcare setting, ‘It’s OK to Ask’ reminds people that asking questions helps them understand their options and make choices that feel right for them.
A key focus of the campaign is encouraging people to prepare for their appointment by thinking ahead about what they want to know. To help get the most out of every discussion, patients are encouraged to consider asking these four questions whenever a treatment, procedure, tablet, or test is suggested, no matter how routine it may seem:
- What are the benefits of this treatment?
- What are the risks?
- Are there any alternative treatments I can try?
- What happens if I do nothing?
Dr John McAnaw, Head of Pharmacy and Associate Clinical Director at NHS 24 says the campaign helps remove the pressure or worry some people feel when speaking with healthcare professionals:
“Asking questions in a healthcare setting can feel overwhelming, and many people are unsure what to say or how to ask.
“The ‘It’s OK to Ask’ campaign reassures people that healthcare teams welcome questions as it provides a good basis for shared decision making. It’s important that you fully understand your treatment options and feel comfortable with any decisions about your care.
“No matter how simple or serious your condition may seem, if you’re unclear about anything, remember – ‘It’s OK to Ask’. These questions can help you make informed choices about what will work best for you.”
