Question reference: S6W-10624
- Asked by: Fulton MacGregor, MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 26 August 2022
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 20 September 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider conducting an analysis of the effectiveness of the Chill cold water swimming courses currently being run in England and, to a more limited extent, Scotland, and their potential as a public health measure provided through NHS boards.
Answer
The provision of advice to health professionals on the efficacy of particular treatments, whether clinical or non-clinical, is the responsibility of Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) who base their recommendations on Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines, produced from the views of experts and the latest research. It would not be appropriate for the Scottish Government to undertake this type of analysis but we are supportive of the concept of a person-centred approach to care which includes non-clinical options. This aligns with the principles of Realistic Medicine .