More than 8,500 lives have been saved since the introduction of a patient safety scheme, the Scottish Government has announced.
Hospital mortality has reduced by 12.4% since the Scottish Patient Safety Programme was introduced in 2008.
Measures include a safety checklist to be completed before operations take place, more ward rounds, double-checking medicines and an early warning system for critically ill patients.
The programme is said to ensure people receiving care do not experience harm such as infections, falls, blood clots and pressure sores.
Health Secretary Alex Neil said: "It is excellent news that hospital mortality is continuing to reduce. Thanks to our world-leading patient safety programme, Scotland has some of the safest hospitals in the world.
"It's good to hear about the measures that staff have put in place. They are small changes but they make a big difference, and they save lives.
"Our NHS should be rightly proud of what has been achieved. It's because of success like this that we have decided to expand the safety programme to maternity units and mental health services. I know that there is some hard work ahead for NHS staff but I am confident that they will rise to this challenge."
