Chamber and committees

Good morning to you all, and thanks for being here today.

After I have asked my questions, I will probably come back further down the line to discuss green theatres, as well as propellants from inhalers and so on, which I am interested in because I am the convener of the cross-party group on lung health.

I am interested in hearing about what discussions are happening around emissions reduction, following the Government-wide health in all policies approach. How closely involved are you in taking emissions reduction or net zero approaches in healthcare?

I have a supplementary question, which goes back to the issue of cross-portfolio working. The Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, which was passed just last week, contains provisions for increasing the use of venison in public sector settings such as hospitals and schools. We know that we have an abundance of venison. If we are going to promote it as being sustainable, healthy and locally sourced, what should be the practice for communicating the need for such action? If we pass a bill that says that we need to promote venison and get it into hospitals, how should that information be communicated and disseminated to different health boards?

I see that Wendy Rayner is leaning forward.

There is a school in Lockerbie where one of the teachers brings in venison and has the young people make burgers. Eating venison is not just about steaks—it can be made into burgers, meatballs and sausages. It is about changing our attitude to venison, because it is a good source of protein.

Does the minister agree that, whether it is through taxes on our world-class whisky industry, Brexit red tape on our local businesses or the running down of our industries in the north-east, Scotland is being hammered by the consequences of the choices that are being made by a Westminster Government that is out of touch with the reality in Scotland? [Interruption.] Can he say any more about what the Scottish Government is doing to combat that and boost confidence and growth in Scotland?

I commend the on-going and tireless work of the Galloway community hospital action group in campaigning to reinstate maternity services at Galloway community hospital and ensure a sustainable future for the hospital that is embedded in the community.

At the committee meeting yesterday, at which I asked the Patient Safety Commissioner questions in relation to the issue, she was clearly unhappy that the detailed information that she requires and had requested from NHS D and G was not provided in the first instance but required instead further meetings and time. What discussions will the minister have with NHS D and G to ensure that it takes seriously its responsibilities for both patient safety and openness with professionals and the public?

Does the minister agree that, whether it is through taxes on our world-class whisky industry, Brexit red tape on our local businesses or the running down of our industries in the north-east, Scotland is being hammered by the consequences of the choices that are being made by a Westminster Government that is out of touch with the reality in Scotland? [Interruption.] Can he say any more about what the Scottish Government is doing to combat that and boost confidence and growth in Scotland?

I commend the on-going and tireless work of the Galloway community hospital action group in campaigning to reinstate maternity services at Galloway community hospital and ensure a sustainable future for the hospital that is embedded in the community.

At the committee meeting yesterday, at which I asked the Patient Safety Commissioner questions in relation to the issue, she was clearly unhappy that the detailed information that she requires and had requested from NHS D and G was not provided in the first instance but required instead further meetings and time. What discussions will the minister have with NHS D and G to ensure that it takes seriously its responsibilities for both patient safety and openness with professionals and the public?

Scotland has advanced support for patient safety that has attracted international commendation. I experienced that when I worked in the NHS as a nurse. It is vital that patients are assured of the Scottish Government’s determination to maintain a safe clinical environment.

The cabinet secretary is aware that the Patient Safety Commissioner was in Parliament today, giving evidence about her role to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee. Will he say any more about the commissioner’s role in supporting the Government’s work to ensure and improve patient safety across our NHS?

Scotland has advanced support for patient safety that has attracted international commendation. I experienced that when I worked in the NHS as a nurse. It is vital that patients are assured of the Scottish Government’s determination to maintain a safe clinical environment.

The cabinet secretary is aware that the Patient Safety Commissioner was in Parliament today, giving evidence about her role to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee. Will he say any more about the commissioner’s role in supporting the Government’s work to ensure and improve patient safety across our NHS?

I am interested in representation on the boards. Among the written submissions that we received, Glasgow City IJB raised the issue of

“how members representing large, varied and possibly complex networks”,

which Stephen Smellie has described, can manage to have a

“singular voice and vote”.

I would be interested to hear witnesses’ thoughts on what nomination and accountability arrangements would need to be mandated nationally to ensure that we have transparent and representative appointments, in order to have third sector voting or care experience representation and things such as that.