Chamber and committees

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

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Question reference: S3W-28138

Asked by: Irene Oldfather, MSP for Cunninghame South, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Friday, 09 October 2009
Current Status: Answered by Nicola Sturgeon on 3 November 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive whether hospital staff are entitled to share information with care home staff where the patient or resident has previously indicated that the primary point of contact should be the patient or resident, or the patient’s or resident’s representative.

Hospital staff wherever possible should respect the wishes of any patient who objects to particular information being shared within the health care team or with others providing care. However, there are limited circumstances e.g. legal requirement, in the interest of the public or vulnerable individuals who are unable to consent where staff may disclose information without consulting the patient first.

Question reference: S3W-28137

Asked by: Irene Oldfather, MSP for Cunninghame South, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Friday, 09 October 2009
Current Status: Answered by Nicola Sturgeon on 3 November 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to GPs regarding the sharing of patient information with care home staff and whether written consent to information being shared is required from the patient or the patient’s representative.

Question reference: S3W-27273

Asked by: Irene Oldfather, MSP for Cunninghame South, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Current Status: Answered by Nicola Sturgeon on 8 October 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive how many patients contracted the winter vomiting virus in NHS Ayrshire and Arran hospitals in each of the last five years, broken down by hospital.

It is not possible to specifically identify the numbers of patients contracting norovirus (the pathogen responsible for winter vomiting) in NHS hospitals in Scotland.

The following table shows (a) the number of confirmed and suspected outbreaks of norovirus (b) the total number of cases ill (i.e. displaying symptoms typical of norovirus infection) and (c) the total number of cases ill who tested positive for norovirus, as reported by hospitals in NHS Ayrshire and Arran between 2004 and 2008.

The figures are derived from Health Protection Scotland''s ObSurv surveillance system for general outbreaks of infectious intestinal diseases.

For the purpose of ObSurv an outbreak is defined as an incident in which two or more linked cases experience the same illness, or when the observed number of cases unaccountably exceeds the expected number. The system seeks information on general outbreaks, defined as outbreaks affecting members of more than one household or residents of an institution.

Outbreaks of Norovirus are reported as confirmed or suspected. Confirmed outbreaks are outbreaks in which one or more positive laboratory samples are obtained from cases in the outbreak. Suspected outbreaks are based on the judgement of the local infection teams/public health teams.

The figures presented below are indicative and should be interpreted with caution. In particular, please note:

The apparent increase in the numbers of outbreaks, cases ill and cases ill who test positive in 2008 is due to a combination of improved reporting to ObSurv and elevated UK-wide community norovirus activity in the winter of 2007-08.

For further information please refer to the Health Protection Scotland website.

http://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/giz/outbreaks.aspx?subjectid=5,23@44.

Confirmed and Suspected outbreaks of Norovirus reported to ObSurv from hospitals in Ayrshire and Arran 2004-08:

	Hospital
	NHS Ayrshire and Arran	Ailsa Hospital	Arrol Park	Ayr Hospital	Ayrshire Central Hospital
2004
Norovirus outbreaks (confirmed/suspected)	6	1	-	-	2
Total ill	72	11	-	-	33
Total ill and positive	11	1	-	-	6
2005
Norovirus outbreaks (confirmed/suspected)	6	2	-	-	-
Total ill	193	110	-	-	-
Total ill and positive	2	2	-	-	-
2006
Norovirus outbreaks (confirmed/suspected)	8	1	-	3	1
Total ill	59	12	-	20	10
Total ill and positive	4	-	-	4	-
2007
Norovirus outbreaks (confirmed/suspected)	8	1	-	4	-
Total ill	102	8	-	68	-
Total ill and positive	-	-	-	-	-
2008
Norovirus outbreaks (confirmed/suspected)	69	4	1	16	3
Total ill	1,122	38	4	306	36
Total ill and positive	42	-	-	12	-

Source: Health Protection Scotland ObsSurv (infectious intestinal disease surveillance system).

Notes:

- denotes 0 (zero).

N/K = not known.

Confirmed and Suspected outbreaks of Norovirus reported to ObSurv from hospitals in Ayrshire and Arran 2004-08:

	Hospital
	Biggart Hospital	Crosshouse Hospital	Davidson Hospital	East Ayrshire Community Hospital	Kirklandside Hospital
2004
Norovirus outbreaks (confirmed/suspected)	-	2	1	-	-
Total ill	-	19	9	-	-
Total ill and positive	-	1	3	-	-
2005
Norovirus outbreaks (confirmed/suspected)	-	3	-	1	-
Total ill	-	41	-	42	-
Total ill and positive	-	-	-	-	-
2006
Norovirus outbreaks (confirmed/suspected)	1	2	-	-	-
Total ill	N/K	17	-	-	-
Total ill and positive	N/K	-	-	-	-
2007
Norovirus outbreaks (confirmed/suspected)	1	2	-	-	-
Total ill	4	22	-	-	-
Total ill and positive	-	-	-	-	-
2008
Norovirus outbreaks (confirmed/suspected)	11	32	-	-	2
Total ill	213	515	-	-	10
Total ill and positive	7	23	-	-	-

Source: Health Protection Scotland ObsSurv (infectious intestinal disease surveillance system).

Notes:

- denotes 0 (zero).

N/K = not known.

Question reference: S3O-08055

Asked by: Irene Oldfather, MSP for Cunninghame South, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Current Status: Answered by Richard Lochhead on 1 October 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive when the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment last met animal welfare groups.

Question reference: S3W-27270

Asked by: Irene Oldfather, MSP for Cunninghame South, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Current Status: Answered by John Swinney on 25 September 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list engagements undertaken by the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism between 1 April and 30 August 2009, broken down by date.

The Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism has undertaken the following official engagements between 1 April and 30 August 2009.

Date	Engagement
1 April 2009	Launch of Online Old Parish Registers of Death/Burial Records. New Register House, Edinburgh
1 April 2009	Remploy Reception and Dinner. Parliament
2 April 2009	Meeting with CEO of Menzies Distribution. Parliament
2 April 2009	Islamic Finance Council Fund Managers Conference. Edinburgh Castle
3 April 2009	Inspired Exhibition. Mitchell Library, Glasgow
3 April 2009	Launch of SMAS Marine Laboratory. Oban
6 April “ 10 April 2009	Scotland Week Programme. New York and North Carolina
6 April 2009	Photo Opportunity New York
6 April 2009	Business Meeting with Chemical Sciences Company. New York
6 April 2009	Business Meeting with JP Morgan. New York
6 April 2009	Business Meeting with Blackrock Inc. New York
6 April 2009	Business Meeting with Morgan Stanley. New York
6 April 2009	Speech at VisitScotland/Scottish Development International Networking Reception. New York
7 April 2009	Business Meeting with Citi. New York
7 April 2009	Business Meeting with the Trump Organisation. New York
7 April 2009	Business Meeting with IBM. New York
7 April 2009	Scottish Development International Business Dinner
8 April 2009	Meeting with the Assistant Secretary for Tourism, North Carolina Department of Commerce
8 April 2009	Meeting with the Governor of North Carolina.
8 April 2009	Business Meeting with Pharmaceutical Company. North Carolina
8 April 2009	Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament with Presiding Officer. Museum of Natural Science, North Carolina
9 April 2009	Visit to University of North Carolina
9 April 2009	Business Meeting with Pharmaceutical Company. North Carolina
9 April 2009	Dinner with Congressman Mike McIntyre and Guests. North Carolina
10 April 2009	Photo Opportunity. New York
10 April 2009	Business Meeting with Financial Services Company. New York
14 April 2009	Visit to Telecoms Service Centre (TSC), Larbet
14 April 2009	Roundtable Discussion on Resilience if the Third Sector. St Andrews House, Edinburgh
15 April 2009	Girvan First “ Stakeholder Event. The Carrick Buildings, Girvan
15 April 2009	Visit to FMC Biopolymer UK Ltd. Girvan, Ayrshire
15 April 2009	Visit FMC Biopolymer. Girvan
16 April 2009	Meeting with Councillor Angus Campbell. Stornoway
16 April 2009	Harris Tweed Summit. Stornoway
16 April 2009	Western Isles Economic and Community Benefits Study “ Stakeholder Event. Stornoway
16 April 2009	Meeting with representatives of the Shawbost Mill
16 April 2009	Meeting with representatives of the Carloway Mill
16 April 2009	Harris Tweed Seminar. Council Chambers, Comhairle
16 April 2009	Meeting with representatives of the Harris Tweed Authority. Council Chambers, Comhairle
20 April 2009	Scotland''s Hydrogen Future Conference. Edinburgh
20 April 2009	Roundtable Discussion with Microsoft. Waverley Gate, Edinburgh
20 April 2009	Meeting with the Scottish Federation of Small Businesses. Parliament
20 April 2009	Meeting with Chief Executive of Customer Contact Association. Parliament
20 April 2009	Dinner with Engineering Company. Edinburgh
21 April 2009	Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Leadership Conference. Napier University Business School
21 April 2009	Meeting with Local Authorities and VisitScotland. Norton House Hotel Newbridge
21 April 2009	Devonshire House Management Club Scotland Dinner. The New Club, 86 Princes Street, Edinburgh
22 April 2009	Visit Scotland Expo. City Centre, Glasgow
22 April 2009	Meeting with LL Online Ltd. Parliament
23 April 2009	Meeting with Team Europe Digital Ltd. Parliament
27 April 2009	Launch of Perfect Day Campaign. Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
27 April 2009	Stakeholder Session with the Scottish Local Authorities Economic Development Group (SLAED). Victoria Quay. Edinburgh
27 April 2009	Meeting with the National Union of Journalists. Parliament
28 April 2009	Meeting with MJI Business Solutions Ltd. Parliament
28 April 2009	Launch of Dundee CPP Construction and Hospitality Academies. Dundee
28 April 2009	Mind Mapping Event Surviving the Credit Crunch. Abertay University
28 April 2009	CA Magazine “ Family Business Round Table Discussion. The Bonham Hotel Edinburgh
29 April 2009	Manufacturing Mind mapping session with Stakeholders. Apex International Hotel, Edinburgh
30 April 2009	Meeting with Ian Wilson.
30 April 2009	Mind Mapping Stakeholder session on Arbitration. Parliament
4 May 2009	Business Meeting with Energy Company. Houston, Texas
4 May 2009	Meeting with British Consulate, Houston and UKTI New York. Houston, Texas
4 May 2009	Offshore Technology Conference. Houston, Texas
4 May 2009	Tour of Scottish Pavilion, meeting exhibiting companies. Houston Texas
4 May 2009	Press Conference, Houston Texas
4 May 2009	Media Interview. Houston Texas
4 May 2009	Meeting Peter Stephen, Lord Provost, City of Aberdeen. Houston Texas
4 May 2009	UKTI/British Consulate Reception. Houston Texas
5 May 2009	Business Meeting with Energy Company. Houston, Texas
5 May 2009	Business Meeting with Energy company. Houston, Texas
5 May 2009	Business Meeting with Energy Company. Houston, Texas
5 May 2009	Business Meeting with Energy Company. Houston, Texas
5 May 2009	Business Meeting with Energy Company. Houston, Texas
5 May 2009	Business Meeting with Energy Company. Houston, Texas
7 May 2009	Meeting with Lithgow''s Limited. Parliament
11 May 2009	Meeting with Faculty of Actuaries. Meridian Court
11 May 2009	Meeting with Trinity Mirror. Meridian Court
11 May 2009	Special meeting of the Small Business Consultative Group (SBCG). Meridian Court
11 May 2009	Opening of the offices of Consumer Focus Scotland. Royal Exchange House Glasgow
11 May 2009	Meeting with Ofcom. Meridian Court
11 May 2009	Mind Mapping session in Kirkintilloch for Local Traders. Kirkintilloch
12 May 2009	DEVEX Conference. Aberdeen Exhibition Centre
12 May 2009	Beyond Targets Masterclass (John Seddon). Glasgow
13 May 2009	Meeting with professor Russel Griggs. Edinburgh
13 May 2009	Visit Scotland “ Scotland Means Business “ Gala Dinner. Signet Library, Edinburgh
14 May 2009	Meeting with Bharat Forge. Parliament
18 May 2009	Mind Mapping Session in Selkirk Economic Regeneration of the Area. Selkirk
18 May 2009	Meeting with APC-Schneider, Digital Reality Trust, Internet Villages International and Global Marine Systems. Selkirk
18 May 2009	Iberdrola Board Dinner. Kelvingrove Art Gallery
19 May 2009	Launch Event Discover Opportunities Programme. Hilton Hotel, Dundee
19 May 2009	Meeting DC Thomson & Co Ltd. Dundee
19 May 2009	Meeting with Dynamic Wind Generators. Parliament
19 May 2009	Meeting with Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition (SSEC). Parliament
20 May 2009	All Energy Conference 2009. Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, Aberdeen
20 May 2009	Visit to Austrian Delegation Stand at All Energy Conference. Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, Aberdeen
25 May 2009	The Roshven Hill Estate mini-hydro scheme Opening. Roshven
26 May 2009	Energy Technology Centre Visit. East Kilbride
26 May 2009	Meeting with TUV NEL LTD. East Kilbride
26 May 2009	Meeting with White Light Media and Periodical Publishers Association
26 May 2009	Meeting with Jeremy Purvis MSP and stakeholders from Textiles Sector. Parliament
27 May 2009	Dinner with Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Edinburgh
28 May 2009	Meeting with ASDA. St Andrew''s House, Edinburgh
28 May 2009	Cross Party Group Construction Meeting. Parliament
29 May 2009	Hewlett Packard Visit. Renfrewshire
1 June 2009	Financial Services Advisory Board Meeting. Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh
1 June 2009	Engineering Scotland Conference “ The Road Ahead. Strathclyde University
2 June 2009	Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland meeting. Dunblane Hydro
2 June 2009	Meeting with Irwin Turbitt, Parliament
2 June 2009	Meeting with Cherming Energetics UK LTD. Parliament
4 June 2009	British Franchise Association Breakfast. Hilton Hotel, Glasgow
8 June 2009	Devolved Tourism Ministers Meeting. London
9 June 2009	Meeting with Scottish Microrenewables Working Group. Parliament
9 June 2009	Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme Conference and Awards. Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
9 June 2009	E Commerce Mind Mapping Session. Victoria Quay, Edinburgh
9 June 2009	Meeting with the Director General of VNIIGAZ. Parliament
9 June 2009	Meeting with Brian Adam MSP, Bob Dorris MSP, Dave Thompson MSP and Scottish Language Centre. Parliament
9 June 2009	RBS Stakeholder Dinner St Andrews Square, Edinburgh
10 June 2009	Meeting with Russel Griggs. Edinburgh
10 June 2009	Meeting with Atlantis resources Corporation. Parliament
10 June 2009	Crown Estates Reception and Dinner. The Howard Hotel, Edinburgh
11 June 2009	Mind Mapping Session with Falkirk Business Panel. Falkirk
13 June 2009	STUC Highlands and Islands Conference. Inverness
14 June 2009	Forbes CEO Conference Dinner and Reception. Gleneagles
15 June 2009	Mind Mapping Session on Broadband. Meridian Court
15 June 2009	Speech at the Forbes CEO Conference. Gleneagles
16 June 2009	Stakeholder event to explore innovative methods to deliver Post Office Services in Scotland. Atlantic Quay, Glasgow
16 June 2009	Meeting with Scottish Engineering. Atlantic Quay, Glasgow
16 June 2009	The Triple Helix VII International Conference. Hilton Hotel, Glasgow
17 June 2009	Meeting of the Scottish Enterprise technology Advisory Group. Scotsman Hotel, Edinburgh
17 June 2009	Meeting Scotland''s Future Forum
17 June 2009	Dinner with William Ury and stakeholders
18 June 2009	Meeting with General Electric. Parliament
18 June 2009	Meeting with the Minister Counsellor for Commercial Affairs, US Embassy. Parliament
18 June 2009	Meeting with the Dutch Ambassador. Parliament
18 June 2009	Business in Parliament Conference Dinner. Parliament
19 June 2009	Business in Parliament Conference. Parliament
19 June 2009	EDAS Event. The Edinburgh Office, Forth Street, Edinburgh
23 June 2009	Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) Conference. Holyrood Hotel
23 June 2009	Meeting with Peel and DONG Energy. Parliament
23 June 2009	Media Interview. Parliament
24 June 2009	The Wise Group Breakfast Seminar. Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh
24 June 2009	National Business Awards Scotland. Hilton hotel, Glasgow
26 June 2009	Visit to Ben Cruchan power Station. Loch Awe, Argyll
24 July 2009	Clan Convention and Gathering. Parliament
24 July 2009	Visit to the Opening of Oxycoal Clean Coal Test Facility. Renfrew
25 July 2009	Gathering Events at Holyrood Park
25 July 2009	First Minister''s Reception to mark the Gathering. Edinburgh Castle
25 July 2009	Ailsing''s Children “ Tales of the Homecoming Performance. Edinburgh Castle
27 July 2009	Mind Mapping Event in Inverness. Glenurquhart Road, Inverness
27 July 2009	Signing of the Single Output Agreement for Inverness. Inverness Council Chambers
27 July 2009	Meeting with the Highland Council to discuss the Nigg Development. Inverness Council Chambers
27 July 2009	Meeting with KBR Services. Inverness Council offices
28 July 2009	Skye Mind Mapping Event. Aros Centre, Skye
28 July 2009	Skyeskyns visit. Skye
28 July 2009	Visit to Sitekits Solutions. Sitekit House, Portree
30 July 2009	Meeting with European Forest Resources Group (EFRG). Meridian Court
30 July 2009	Meeting with Whyte and Mckay. Meridian Court
30 July 2009	Meeting with Xavier Solano, Head of The Delegation, Government of Catalonia. Meridian Court
31 July 2009	Meeting with Perth Council. Royal George Hotel, Perth
31 July 2009	Mind Mapping workshop on Economic Recovery “ Perth. Royal George Hotel, Perth
31 July 2009	National Conversation Event (Chatham House Discussion) Royal George Hotel Perth
31 July 2009	Visit to Scottish Southern Energy. Inveralmond House, Dunkeld Road, Perth
31 July 2009	Visit to Inveralmond Brewery. Inveralmond Industrial Estate, Perth
3 August 2009	Media Interview. Meridian Court
4 August 2009	Mind Mapping Session in Kirkintilloch. Tom Johnston House, Kirkintilloch
4 August 2009	Networking Lunch with East Dunbartonshire Council. Council Offices
4 August 2009	Visit to Southbank Development, Kirkintilloch. The Arts & Culture Centre & the Kirkintilloch Learning Centre, Kirkintilloch
4 August 2009	Visit to Aviva. Westhill Business Park, Bishopbriggs East
4 August 2009	Scottish Development International VIP Reception for the Internal Chemistry Conference IUPAC. SECC Glasgow
5 August 2009	Jointly Hosted Mindmapping Session between the Scottish Government and Consumer Focus Scotland (National Conversation). Atlantic Quay, Glasgow
5 August 2009	Meeting with IBM. Meridian Court, Glasgow
6 August 2009	Stakeholder Event on Arbitration. Victoria Quay
6 August 2009	Visit to Artemis Intelligent Power Ltd, Loanhead. Loanhead, Midlothian
7 August 2009	Media Interview. Glasgow
7 August 2009	Procurement meeting with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce. Glasgow Hilton, 1 William Street, Glasgow
10 August 2009	South Ayrshire Tourism Forum. South Ayrshire Council HQ, County Buildings, Wellington Square, Ayr
10 August 2009	Meeting with South Ayrshire Council Members. South Ayrshire Council HQ, County Buildings, Wellington Square, Ayr
11 August 2009	Visit to ScotMac Catering Equipment, West Lothian.
11 August 2009	Mind Mapping Session in West Lothian. Alba Innovation Centre, The Alba Campus, Rosebank, Livingston
11 August 2009	Tour of Alba Innovation Centre . Alba Innovation Centre, The Alba Campus, Rosebank, Livingston
11 August 2009	Visit to Invec Solutions Ltd. Faulds Parks Road, Gourock
11 August 2009	Mind Mapping Session in Inverclyde. Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, Clyde Square, Greenock
11 August 2009	Signing of the Single Outcome Agreement for Inverclyde. Inverclyde Council, Municipal Buildings, Clyde Square, Greenock
12 August 2009	Ministerial Seminar on Economic Recovery “ Dundee. Piperdam Golf and Leisure Resort Ltd, Fowlis, Angus, Dundee,
12 August 2009	Signing of the Single Output Agreement “ Dundee. Piperdam Golf and Leisure Resort Ltd, Fowlis, Angus, Dundee
12 August 2009	Visit and Tour of Ritchie Implements, Forfar
12 August 2009	Visit to MacPhie of Glenbervie. Stonehaven
13 August 2009	Ministerial Seminar on Economic Recovery “ Shetland. Islesburgh Community Centre, Lerwick
13 August 2009	Signing of Single Output Agreement “ Shetland. Islesburgh Community, Lerwick
13 August 2009	Visit to Shetland island Museum. Hays Dock, Lerwick
13 August 2009	Visit to Shetland Fudge Company. 135 Commercial Street, Lerwick
13 August 2009	Tour of Sullom Voe Oil Terminal. Sullom Voe, Mossbank
14 August 2009	Knowledge Transfer Session with Scottish Chambers of Commerce. Atlantic Quay
14 August 2009	Visit to Green Ocean Energy - University of Strathclyde.
14 August 2009	Meeting with the Association of British Insurers. McGrigors, Glasgow
17 August 2009	National Conversation Mind mapping Event “ Investors in People. Investors in People Scotland HQ, Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh
18 August 2009	Meeting with Community Energy Scotland. Parliament
18 August 2009	Meeting with ARUP. Parliament
18 August 2009	Meeting with John Sturrock QC. Victoria Quay, Edinburgh
18 August 2009	Media Interview. Victoria Quay
18 August 2009	Stakeholder Event on Arbitration. Victoria Quay, Edinburgh
19 August 2009	Meeting with Integrity Works . Parliament
19 August 2009	Signing of Single Output Agreement. Fife Council, Fife House
19 August 2009	Visit to Fife Energy Park. Wellesley Road, Buchaven KY8 3RA
19 August 2009	Visit to Tullis Russell. Markinch, Glenrothes, Fife
20 August 2009	Visit to Broughton Ales Limited. Broughton
20 August 2009	Launch of the Visit Scotland Autumn Campaign. Tontine Hotel, Peebles
20 August 2009	Visit to JJ & HB 1788 Cashmere Mills. Innerleithan
20 August 2009	Mind mapping Session “ Scottish Borders . Council headquarters, Newtown St Boswells
21 August 2009	Public Meeting “ Pursuing the Deming Network Agenda. Aberdeen
21 August 2009	Visit to the premises of Aberdeen Heat and Power. Seaton, Aberdeen
21 August 2009	Visit to Total Waste Management, Aberdeen. Bridge of Don, Aberdeen
26 August 2009	Opening of Loch Fyne Marina. Argyll

Question reference: S3W-27271

Asked by: Irene Oldfather, MSP for Cunninghame South, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Current Status: Answered by Nicola Sturgeon on 24 September 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to NHS boards with regard to the monitoring of hygiene standards in hospitals.

Good hand hygiene and a safer and cleaner patient environment are key to reducing the spread of infection in our hospitals and our HAI Task Force Delivery Plan is focused on improving standards and performance in both these areas.

A range of guidance has been issued to NHS boards on hand hygiene and cleaning. Primarily, guidance on our zero tolerance policy to non hand hygiene compliance by staff was issued to all NHS Chief Executives on 26 January 2009 and local health board co-ordinators are specially trained to monitor and report on staff hand hygiene compliance. We recently increased the regularity of the monitoring of compliance from quarterly to bi-monthly to ensure even more rigorous monitoring applies.

All NHS boards are required to follow the requirements set out in the recently revised NSS National Cleaning Services Specification to ensure hospital cleaning complies with national standards. NHS boards were recently asked by Health Facilities Scotland to submit action plans to demonstrate how they will secure continuous improvement towards full compliance.

Training and education are key to improving hygiene standards. The main HAI training programme for NHS staff is the Cleanliness Champions programme - a comprehensive national programme which provides staff with the knowledge and understanding of why it is important to follow certain principles and procedures in the healthcare environment, and to recognise infection risks and the action that is appropriate. Cleanliness Champions act as role models for others to influence their behaviour in their workplace.

Question reference: S3W-27274

Asked by: Irene Oldfather, MSP for Cunninghame South, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Current Status: Answered by Nicola Sturgeon on 23 September 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to NHS boards with regard to ensuring that checks-ups following surgery are undertaken to ensure that post-operative infection is speedily identified.

Specific guidance for NHS boards is contained in the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) publication Postoperative Management in Adults - A Practical Guide to Postoperative Care for Clinical Staff. This guidance is available from the SIGN website at:

http://www.sign.ac.uk/pdf/sign77.pdf.

In addition, as part of the Scottish Patient Safety Programme, the Surgical Site Infection Prevention Bundle has been developed and implemented by NHS boards to improve the consistency and standard of treatment given to patients and to improve patient outcomes.

The Surgical Profiles Project also provides data to improve surgical care. This is a package of comparative clinical indicators on local surgical services that NHS boards can use to help improve the delivery and outcomes of patient care by identifying potential areas for attention and also areas of good practice. This project is being managed by NHS Health Quality. The link to this work is:

http://www.nhshealthquality.org/nhsqis/3638.html.

Good progress is being made in reducing the number of Surgical Site Infections (SSIs). The sixth national annual report on SSIs confirmed a downward trend in infection rates across all categories of surgery. Overall the figures show a significant decrease from 1.1% of all reported procedures in 2007 to 0.7% in 2008.

Question reference: S3W-27277

Asked by: Irene Oldfather, MSP for Cunninghame South, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Current Status: Answered by Alex Neil on 23 September 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-5628 by Stewart Maxwell on 31 October 2007, what further work it has undertaken with regard to improving the rights of park home residents.

Question reference: S3W-27278

Asked by: Irene Oldfather, MSP for Cunninghame South, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Current Status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 23 September 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any differences in the guidance it has issued in 2009-10 compared with that issued in 2008-09 regarding the manner in which discretionary funds can be used by universities to assist students in hardship as a result of changes to student income and, if so, whether it will list these differences.

The main changes for the 2009-10 guidance for Discretionary Funds relate to the Part-time Discretionary Fund. Support for this has been extended to eligible learners studying part-time advanced level courses (HNC, HND, a Degree course, PDA or CPD at SCQF level 7-11). The inclusion of SCQF level 11 is initially for academic year 2009-10 and is subject to review. This change is set out in the 2009-10 guidance which was issued to all institutions and can be found online on the Student Awards Agency for Scotland website at the following link:

http://www.saas.gov.uk/_forms/disc_funds_0910_revised.pdf.

Question reference: S3W-27272

Asked by: Irene Oldfather, MSP for Cunninghame South, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Current Status: Answered by Nicola Sturgeon on 23 September 2009

To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it issues to NHS boards with regard to ensuring that the dignity of patients dying in hospital is respected.