Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 8 June 2026
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the letter of 11 February 2026 by the Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy and Sport to the Convener of the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee regarding PE1900 (Access to prescribed medication for detainees in police custody), whether NHS Grampian now has appropriate arrangements in place to ensure timely access to prescribed medication, including controlled drugs, for detainees.
NHS Grampian has confirmed that arrangements are in place to support access to prescribed medication, including controlled drugs, within its current service model. Individuals are clinically assessed on entry to custody and prescribed medication is provided where clinically indicated, with processes in place to verify community prescriptions.
Arrangements are in place to provide opioid replacement therapy where required. However, at present, this is delivered from the Kittybrewster custody suite, with detainees transferred from other custody locations where necessary to ensure continuity of treatment. NHS Grampian has advised that it is continuing to work with partners to expand provision across all custody settings, including through the development of pharmacy, delivery and remote prescribing arrangements.
The delivery of healthcare services in police custody remains an operational responsibility for NHS boards. The Scottish Government will continue to support further improvement and consistent, timely access to prescribed medication.’