Chamber and committees

Healthcare associated infection (HAI) is not unique to Scotland and is a major challenge for all the UK countries. It is also a global problem. Both the Scottish Government and members of our HAI Task Force have robust networks of contacts in place around the UK, and across the European Community, so we can learn from each other and share best practice on the most effective approaches towards tackling HAI. In addition, both the Chief Scientist''s Office and the Scottish Infection Research Network (SIRN) encourage and support innovative research and projects into HAI to ensure that our approach continues to evolve and keeps pace with other countries.

As well as on-going dialogue with UK colleagues, regular meetings take place across the UK including meetings of the Pan Celtic Group, which is attended by all UK countries; meetings of the Antimicrobial Resistant Healthcare Associated Infection Committee, which is led by the Department of Health, and meetings at the European Centre for Disease Control.

This question was answered in the Chamber. The answer can be viewed in the Official Report using the following link:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0917-01.htm

This question was answered in the Chamber. The answer can be viewed in the Official Report using the following link:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/officialReports/meetingsParliament/or-09/sor0903-01.htm

Asthma UK participated in a recent UK-wide workshop to disseminate the latest advice on the current pandemic. My officials are currently in discussions with Asthma UK Scotland to consider how they can support the dissemination of these messages in Scotland, including the specific impact on people with asthma.

As announced on 13 August, people aged over six months and up to 65 years in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups will be the first priority group to be vaccinated against the influenza A(H1N1) virus.

Children with asthma are included in this at-risk group.

Health Protection Scotland (HPS) publish national hand hygiene compliance audit reports that detail national compliance results for each NHS staff group. These reports are available at:

http://www.documents.hps.scot.nhs.uk/hai/infection-control/national-hand-hygiene-campaign/audit-report-2009-07-08.pdf.

HPS advise that the sample size within each NHS board is not large enough to provide statistically valid estimates for each of the four staff groups at a local level. Instead, board level data collected by HPS is used to inform and target improvement activity, where appropriate.

No specific funding has been allocated to local authorities for new play facilities for children. We are, however, working closely with local government and community planning partners to implement the Early Years Framework which highlights the very important contribution which play can make to a child''s health and development.

It is the responsibility of each local authority, in conjunction with their community planning partners, to allocate the funding on the basis of their local needs and priorities, taking into account their statutory obligations and jointly agreed national and local priorities.

The Scottish Government has not issued specific guidance to local authorities on the provision of play areas in local communities.

Through the single outcome agreement process, local authorities and community planning partners are responsible for securing improved outcomes for children in their local areas, where necessary realigning resources to support the priorities in the Early Years Framework which include children''s play.

On 11 August 2009, the Scottish Government announced a new programme totalling £4 million over the next two years, which will be managed by Inspiring Scotland and will provide the basis for a sustainable and active play sector in Scotland.

Go Play is aimed at 5-13 year olds and is designed to help improve facilities and services in areas where children have the least opportunities to develop through play.