Chamber and committees

In Scotland, it is estimated that over 9 in 10 adults, or 93.6% of the adult community population (95% credible interval: 92.3% to 94.7%) would have tested positive for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 from a blood sample in the week beginning 9 August 2021, suggesting that they had the infection in the past or have been vaccinated. Those who have tested positive for antibodies may have obtained them from prior infection before vaccination.

Antibody data from the ONS COVID-19 infection survey was published by the Scottish Government on 1 September 2021 at: Coronavirus (COVID-19): ONS Infection Survey – antibody data – 1 September 2021 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot).

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-02419 on 21 September 2021. 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 is supporting vital research into the immune response to COVID-19 after infection and vaccination, which is being undertaken by the SIREN (Sars-CoV-2 Immunity & Reinfection Evaluation) research study. The primary aim of the study is to determine whether the presence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (anti-SARS-CoV-2) is associated with a reduction in the subsequent risk of re-infection over short term periods (reviewed monthly), the next year and in the longer-term. It will help us understand whether a previous infection of SARS-CoV-2 will offer an individual any protection against future infection of the same virus.

The Scottish Government is also participating in the recently launched Post Positive PCR Antibody Testing Initiative (PPPATI), which is using antibody testing to further our understanding of vaccine effectiveness and the immune response to COVID-19.

Scottish Government were advised of Mr Alexander’s death by NHS Ayrshire & Arran on 16 February 2021. At that time, the Board also confirmed that a review was ongoing to determine Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations (RIDDOR) reportable status. They further advised that the Health and Safety Executive had been advised by telephone of the death of a member of staff and that NHS Ayrshire & Arran would submit a RIDDOR notification if the internal review indicated this requirement.

Scottish Government has since been advised that in accordance with Health and Safety Executive COVID-19 RIDDOR guidance, Mr Alexander’s death was not, and has not, been formally reported to the Health and Safety Executive as it did not meet the requirements for reporting under RIDDOR.

Waiting time statistics for patients requiring treatment related to MS is not held centrally by the Scottish Government or Public Health Scotland (PHS). Patients’ specific condition or diagnosis is not collected by the PHS Waiting Times Team.

In regards to improving early diagnosis and understanding symptoms, the Scottish Government has provided a total of £650,000 funding to the Future MS project led by the University of Edinburgh. Future MS involves the collection of clinical data and biological samples from recently diagnosed, treatment naïve, relapsing-onset multiple sclerosis patients in order to develop a more personalised approach to clinical management. The project has recruited more than 400 MS patients from across all the territorial NHS Boards in Scotland.

We will invest £4.5 million over 5 years to implement the 17 commitments of the Neurological Care and Support in Scotland: A Framework for Action 2020 – 2025 . The aims include improving the provision of co-ordinated health and social care and support, developing sustainable workforce models and ensuring high standards of person-centred care for those with neurological conditions, such as MS. Over £300,000 has been committed so far to projects which improve the health and wellbeing of people with MS in Scotland, via the Framework.

The Scottish Government maintains positive relationships with third sector partners such as the MS Society, the MS Trust and Revive MS Support, supporting them to complement services provided by NHS Boards and improve understanding of the early symptoms of MS.

The Scottish Government is not able provide this information; this would require minute by minute analysis of all data held for the specific areas and all surrounding areas as the Scottish Ambulance Service operates a national service.

Vehicle cover provided is dynamic and fluid with ever changing variables.

Ambulances are not single-crewed other than in exceptional circumstances, such as short notice unplanned staff absences, and every effort is made to double crew ambulances through rostered and relief staff, overtime or ambulance bank staff. Scottish Ambulance Service Technicians are able to deliver high quality care to patients, but where a paramedic skill set is required, paramedics will be tasked to calls.

The Scottish Government has been working closely with the Scottish Ambulance Service to reduce single-crewing wherever possible. Prior to COVID-19, we had a plan in place with the Service to reduce instances of single crewing. This resulted in instances of single crewing falling to 0.9% in quarter 1 of 2019/20.

Unfortunately as a result of COVID-19 there has been occasions where single crewing has had to be used as a result of late notice staff abstractions, however we are continuing to work with the Scottish Ambulance Service to reduce this where possible.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-02419 on 21 September 2021. 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 following table details staff headcount including the current annual budget allocation for the Scottish Government’s overseas offices, including salary costings, upkeep, day-today running and hospitality costs.

As was announced in the programme for government, we will open a Scottish Government office in Copenhagen next year to increase Scotland’s economic and cultural visibility in the Nordic region. In this parliamentary session, we will also open an office in Warsaw, as part of our continued commitment to enhancing our external reach and voice.

We anticipate that the new offices will be similar in budget and staffing numbers to existing Scottish Government overseas offices. The budget for these additional offices will be established as part of ongoing planning processes and upcoming budget considerations.