Question reference: S6W-19815
- Asked by: Sue Webber, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 4 July 2023
-
Current status: Answered by Elena Whitham on 1 August 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how much additional funding will be allocated specifically to provide training on problem drug use for healthcare professionals working in primary care settings.
Answer
Healthcare professionals working in primary care settings play a vital role in the delivery of the national mission to reduce drug deaths and improve lives. The Scottish Government encourages these professionals to engage with the range of training opportunities available on drug use.
The Scottish Government provides funding to NHS Health Boards and a proportion of this funding is allocated for education and training. It is the responsibility of each Health Board to decide how this funding is allocated for staff training.
Scottish Government has, in previous years, provided funding to the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) to deliver the Management of Problem Drug Use certificate. This is a multi-disciplinary course aimed at professionals working with people who use drugs across primary care settings, and beyond, including General Practitioners (GPs), pharmacists, nurses, prison healthcare staff, and individuals in third-sector.
Scottish Government has agreed to provide further funding, over the next three years, to support continued delivery of the certificate.