Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 24 June 2008
To ask the Scottish Executive what steps NHS boards are taking to assist with the costs incurred by Scottish Motor Neurone Association care teams.
Nine NHS boards have indicated that they are either providing 50% support for the services provided by Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association (SMNDA), or are in the process of developing an agreement.
As I said in my letter to Chief Executives in July 2007, I would wish all NHS boards to formalise their working arrangements with voluntary organisations such as the Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association which provide services and staff. This is in line with our policy on engaging with the third sector, as set out in Better Health, Better Care.