Current status: Answered by Nicola Sturgeon on 11 June 2012
To ask the Scottish Executive what it is doing to protect the Lothian Homeopathy Clinic, based in Dalkeith Health Centre.
The Scottish Government recognises that complementary or alternative therapies, including homeopathy, may offer relief to some people suffering from a wide variety of conditions. It is, however, a matter for NHS boards in Scotland to make such services available, based on an assessment of needs within their respective areas.
However, I expect all NHS boards to review services and facilities regularly to ensure that they continue to reflect local needs and provide the best quality healthcare services. In doing so, it is right that NHS boards take account of relevant evidence based advice and guidance in the delivery of NHS services.
It is for NHS Lothian to determine whether to make such services available. NHS Lothian has yet to conclude consideration of its proposals for the future of local homeopathic services. However, I have made it clear that I fully expect NHS boards to engage positively, constructively and meaningfully with local communities when they are contemplating change. I am aware that Midlothian Community Health Partnership is already making arrangements to undertake a period of public consultation before it makes any final recommendation on the future of the service.
However, should the board’s final proposals be considered major service change, they would have to be subject to formal public consultation and ministerial approval.