Chamber and committees

There are 25 HSTs in the Abellio ScotRail fleet which are formed from 52 locos (power cars) and 117 coaches into 4 and 5 car formations but not all of these are planned to run in daily service.

Abellio ScotRail has been providing appropriate capacity on these routes that is better matched to the period of reduced demand, down around 50% compared with early 2019.

Transport Scotland has committed to an evaluation of the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme following the first full year of operation. The evaluation will assess the short and medium outcomes and the long term impact of the scheme by comparing conditions at different stages.

Baseline data collection of public transport usage is now underway, including an online survey with children, young people and parents. This will assess travel behaviour attitudes and perceptions of travel prior to the scheme starting on 31 January 2022.

We currently have no plans to extend the statutory scheme beyond the existing bus travel provisions.

Digital stethoscopes can be purchased by any clinician.

Those who experience difficulties carrying out a LFD test can ask someone they trust to assist them with the swabbing and testing process. Walk-in asymptomatic test sites (ATS) can also advise people how to use a LFD test. After self-swabbing, the person hands their used swab to a site operative for it to be analysed.

People identified as contacts of a case who are unable or do not have the support to carry out LFD testing can call the National Contact Tracing Centre on 0800 030 8012, for advice.

Additionally, for people with access to a smart phone, an expansion to the existing 119 Be My Eyes service was launched on 27 January to assist asymptomatic visually impaired people and anyone else who needs support, to conduct a rapid lateral flow self-test independently.

Instructions for use for LFD self-tests used in the National Testing Programme are also available in large print and easy read and can be accessed here: Acon Flowflex , Innova and Orient Gene .

Regular testing for people without symptoms is voluntary and for some people it may not be appropriate for testing to take place at all. Those who work most closely with the individual will be best placed to decide whether testing will be appropriate, taking into consideration the needs of the individual.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-05521 on 24 January 2022. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

Further to the answer given to question S6W-04701 on 23 December 2021, I can confirm that the case note review for Mr Slorance, undertaken by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, was completed in November 2021.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

The requested information is not centrally held. Data is published annually, by NHS Education for Scotland on the total medical agency spend by NHS Scotland Boards; and the total WTE hours and cost for Nursing and Midwifery bank and agency staff, but this data does not specify start dates. This information can be found on the following link: NHSScotland workforce | Turas Data Intelligence

Priority 2 within the Heart Disease Action Plan makes clear our commitment to developing nationally agreed pathways of care for all cardiac conditions.

This work is underway. It is led by our recently appointed Heart Disease Improvement Coordinator, who is engaging with clinical colleagues across Scotland to understand service provision, identify needs and collate examples of good practice to inform this programme of work.

Primary care professionals have access to multiple sources of education and update regarding heart valve disease and management both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Through local interface groups local pathways to support diagnosis and management have been developed at board level with opportunities for specialist advice and rapid referral where required.

Scottish Government has no current plans to carry out a public awareness campaign on heart valve disease.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-05521 on 24 January 2022. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers