This article describes the use of a set of evidence-based quality indicators to assess performance by 15 NHS Boards across Scotland in a national review, with a particular focus on the quality of services for people with complex health needs. Evidence based best practice and evaluative data from previous inspections were used to develop Quality Indicators in four domains. Areas reviewed were: involvement of children and adults with learning disabilities and carers in service planning; meeting complex health needs; inpatient/hospital services and planning services/partnership working. A connection between the group of quality indicators used to assess performance in "meeting complex health needs" and "overall" measures of quality was observed. The importance of good quality services for people with complex health needs is discussed in light of these results.