Chamber and committees

Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) is represented on, and contributes to the discussions at the Scottish Cosmetic Interventions Expert Group, which meets regularly to discuss and advise the Scottish Government on options for the potential regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Scotland.

However, as a regulator, HIS only regulates independent clinics where services are provided by a medical practitioner, dental practitioner, registered nurse, registered midwife, dental care professional, pharmacist or pharmacy technician.

Scottish Women’s Aid (SWA) provided its evaluation of the pilot fund to leave at the end of June. The Scottish Government is now considering SWA's evaluation as part of a wider assessment of the pilot. We will be assessing how the pilot delivered against its objectives; how it improved outcomes for women and/or prevented their homelessness; and what lessons were learned during the pilot. We will be in a position to set out next steps once the wider evaluation is complete.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-28494 on 19 July 2024. 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 .

The Scottish Government meets with NHS Board Digital leads on a monthly basis to discuss key issues including the integration of systems and new technologies. The Digital Health & Care Strategy and associated delivery plan set out our plans to integrate and build on our existing health and care infrastructure to improve patient outcomes. Care in the Digital Age: delivery plan 2024 to 2025 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-28494 on 19 July 2024. 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 .

NHS Scotland has not registered with the Apple Health platform and has no plan to do so. Our strategic focus is on delivering the Digital Front Door as outlined in our Digital Health & Care Strategy and associated delivery plan. This will support our ambition; to ensure people have greater access to their data and personal information securely online.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), as the safety regulator, considers there to be a robust regulatory regime covering the fire risks associated with battery energy storage systems (BESS). A range of UK Government legislation is applicable to health and safety at BESS sites including the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002; the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

When the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service receive information on BESS proposals they will consider and provide a response where appropriate.

Scottish Government is currently undertaking work with Health Improvement Scotland (HIS) to consider commencement of their functions in relation to the regulation of independent ambulances as part of the next phase in the regulation of independent healthcare.

Should these functions be commenced then, as an independent healthcare service, any service falling within the definition of an independent ambulance service could be inspected using the powers in the Healthcare Improvement Scotland (Inspections) Regulations 2011.

An official body to carry out audits and inspections will be specifically considered as part of any work on the potential regulation of private first aid companies.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-28344 on 15 July 2024. 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 .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-28344 on 15 July 2024. 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 .