Virtual Care Community Case Study: Near Me Groups by Video Go Live in Scotland

What if group-based care could be delivered at scale without compromising quality or patient experience?

NHS Scotland’s Near Me Groups initiative answers that question with compelling evidence. What began as a rapid response to pandemic disruption has evolved into a nationally scaled, clinically validated model for virtual group consultations, transforming how care is delivered across disciplines, from mental health and diabetes education to antenatal services.

Built through co-design with clinicians and patients and grounded in Quality Improvement methodology, Near Me Groups has moved beyond proof of concept to become a core component of healthcare delivery. Adoption has accelerated significantly, with group sessions more than doubling since 2022 and now accounting for a meaningful share of all video consultations nationwide. Crucially, outcomes are not only comparable to in-person care, but they often exceed them, while dramatically improving convenience, reducing travel burden, and lowering environmental impact.

Behind these results lies a story of system-wide collaboration, digital innovation, and persistent problem-solving. The result is a scalable, secure, and user-centered model that expands access while empowering patients and clinicians alike.

This case study explores how Near Me Groups transitioned from early experimentation to business-as-usual, the lessons learned along the way, and why its success offers a powerful blueprint for health systems globally seeking to deliver more equitable, efficient, and future-ready care.

Read the case study to discover how virtual group care is redefining what’s possible in modern healthcare.