Members of the public can already submit written questions to their health board in advance of the annual review through the Scottish Health Council. However, Sturgeon said that this year the question session will be extended to allow verbal questions from the public. 

Sturgeon said that she wanted the public to be “full partners” in the delivery of NHS services, adding that it is “vitally important” that they are given the opportunity to participate in annual reviews.  

She continued: "The NHS board chairs and I look forward to answering questions members of the public have about their local health services and hearing their views. 

"The annual review process is a key element of the scrutiny of NHS services and it is absolutely right that those who manage our health service are held to account in public.” 

She said that in addition to highlighting success and giving credit where credit is due to NHS staff, she said she wants the reviews to “tackle the tough issues, scrutinise local performance and drive forward further improvement.” 

She added: "I hope people will take the opportunity to attend and participate in their local annual review. These meetings will provide opportunities to question the key decision-makers, who are setting the agenda for the NHS across Scotland and delivering health services in local communities.”