SCOTTISH Labour has raised concerns about a “conflict of interest” within the remit of Public Health Scotland (PHS), after it emerged one of its duties is to protect the interests of Scottish ministers.

Documents revealed on Friday show PHS, the public agency which investigated Scotland’s Covid-19 care home deaths and reported on the mass discharge of patients into care settings, has to check whether research criticises government policy. 

Freedom of Information (FOI) responses published in The Times show the body’s remit includes a duty to protect the reputation of SNP ministers. 

The document shows PHS has an agreed communications framework with the government in Holyrood and representatives from Scottish councils. 

The public body is instructed to manage risk when communicating information, with the FOI adding: “Risk management in relation to communications will primarily relate to reducing the potential impact of the risk on the reputation and credibility of the organisations, which may also impact the wider NHS and local authorities.”

A ranking system is also set out to evaluate the risk of “sustained or widespread criticism of the Scottish government.”

Opposition politicians have raised questions about the independence of PHS and its duties in informing the public. 

Scottish Labour health spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: “Scots believed PHS was an independent voice subjecting life or death decisions during the pandemic to serious scrutiny. 

“But these reports raise serious questions about a conflict of interest that need to be resolved. 

“It is just another example of the micromanagement and control freakery which defines the SNP.”

A PHS spokeswoman said the group “discharges its duties with integrity and is committed to work that is both open and transparent.

“A risk assessment for all publications is undertaken only to inform the supporting communications approach, and for the awareness of sponsors. It does not change the substance, content or independence of those publications.”