Chamber and committees

Since the Bute House Agreement was signed in August 2021, the Scottish Government has been developing a range of proposals to introduce a minimum energy efficiency standard equivalent to EPC C. This standard will be introduced in 2025 subject to Parliament passing the Heat in Buildings Bill, and will take effect on a phased basis over the following years. The Scottish Government plans to consult on these proposals in the coming months, including on approaches to phase in these requirements across the Scottish housing stock.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-14364 on 9 February 2023. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

As committed to in this year’s Programme for Government, the Scottish Government will consult in detail on proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill in the coming year. This consultation will seek views on proposals on how homes might be required to meet at least EPC C standard or equivalent. To support the development of these proposals the Scottish Government are currently in the process of engaging with a range of relevant stakeholders. A series of stakeholder engagement workshops is underway, two of which were undertaken in November and December 2022, with a third planned in the coming months. Over twenty stakeholders were invited to participate in these workshops representing a balance of interests and expertise covering housing, fuel poverty, environment, consumers, industry, legal, landlords, tenants and rural issues.

Raising awareness of Type 1 diabetes in Primary Care is a commitment within the Diabetes Improvement Plan. The Scottish Diabetes Group (SDG) has a sub-group focusing on Type 1 Diabetes and this group has representation from Primary Care clinicians. The sub-group will focus on development of a Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) prevention campaign across primary care, using the well-established ‘Think, Check, Act’ communications material.

Various other strands of the Diabetes Improvement Plan programmes will influence the delivery of this commitment, including the development of a ‘Once for Scotland’ education pathway, which will highlight diagnostic routes and risk factors that clinicians in primary care should be aware of.

As part of the implementation of the Diabetes Improvement Plan, we funded a Diabetes Improvement Lead post. The primary aim of this role was to support the sub-group chairs and key stakeholders to utilise data from the diabetes dashboard and implement quality improvement methodology across their programmes of work.

One example of this is the development of the quality index scoring system to enable teams to share learning and make best use of the SCI-Diabetes data. Other examples include mapping of current education processes across Scotland and ongoing tests of change to identify ‘Once for Scotland’ pathways for the delivery of diabetes education.

As part of the Scottish Diabetes Group, we have a sub-group focusing on Education. This group is currently working towards a ‘Once for Scotland’ pathway for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes – both of which will have pregnancy specific content and support.

The Framework for the Prevention, Early Detection and Early Intervention of Type 2 Diabetes indicates that for those diagnosed with gestational diabetes, structured education for the prevention of Type 2 diabetes should be offered post-partum and, where appropriate, referral to a weight management programme after pregnancy. Through investment, some NHS Boards have developed enhanced options for pregnant women for treatment of gestational diabetes in pregnancy. These involve education and clinical support provided by specialist midwives and dietitians.

The information requested is not held centrally.

This information is not held centrally. However, the Scottish Diabetes Education Advisory Group (SDEAG) has been working with undergraduate medical education partners in order to ensure that appropriate education on diabetes is included in the curriculum. The Inpatient Sub-Group of the Scottish Diabetes Group has also been working to improve the ‘Think, Check, Act’ training module hosted by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

The Type 2 Prevention Framework has also provided opportunities for several professional groups to participate in continued professional development, including training on trauma informed care and the psychological impact of overweight and obesity on diabetes management.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-14364 on 9 February 2023. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

This information can be found as part of the Scottish Diabetes Survey. The Scottish Diabetes Survey provides an annual summary of key issues and trends in diabetes care and treatment in Scotland and can be found by following link: https://www.diabetesinscotland.org.uk/publications/#survey-docs.

The Scottish Diabetes Survey 2021 is due to be published this month, February 2023.