Chamber and committees

On screening issues we are advised by the UK National Screening Committee (NSC), an independent expert advisory group which advises ministers and the NHS in the four UK countries about all aspects of screening.

The NSC reviewed the age range for cervical screening in 2012 considering all the available medical evidence regarding the risks and benefits of screening women under the age of 25 and recommended that cervical screening programmes should screen women routinely between the age of 25 and 64.

The NSC recently recommended the use of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as a primary test in cervical screening programmes. Currently the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme uses cytology testing to look for abnormal cells that could be the first sign of cancer. HPV testing is used as a secondary measure in women needing further investigation. Evidence suggests that screening for HPV first will be a more effective way to let women know whether they are at risk of developing cervical cancer. The Scottish Government is currently working with NHS Scotland on the development of a business case which will provide all of the detail required to make a considered decision on implementing HPV testing in the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme.

From 1 June 2016 the age range for cervical screening will change from 20 to 60 years old and 25 to 65 years old.

No cost saving has been calculated, the changes to the age range and frequency of screening were reviewed as an improvement in clinical effectiveness as opposed to a potential cost savings delivery.

As part of the Detect Cancer Early Programme, the Scottish Breast Screening Programme recently transformed from older analogue equipment to digital technology along with the introduction of a new IT system.

The Scottish Breast Screening Programme invites all women between the age of 50 and 70 for breast screening approximately every three years, based on GP practice. If women do not take up their initial invitation a reminder is used. Women aged over 70 can self-refer into the programme and are also welcome to attend every three years.

Table 1 shows the breast screening uptake^1,2 of women aged 50-70³ by deprivation category⁴ for 2011-12⁵.

Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation		2011-12
Category		Uptake
1 (Most deprived)		61.4
5 (Least deprived)		80.4

1 Only routine appointments are included, self/GP referral and early recall appointments

are not included.

2 Women are invited to attend screening once every three years.

3 The age range for routine invitation is 50-70 years.

4 Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation quintiles version 2012

5 The 2011-12 data is the latest year available by deprivation category. More recent years are unavailable due to ongoing data quality issues.

Source: Scottish Breast Screening Programme Information System

 

Table 2 shows the cervical screening uptake¹ of women aged 20-60² by deprivation category³ for 2013-14⁴.

Table 2.

Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation		2013-14
Category		Uptake
1 (Most deprived)		65.7
5 (Least deprived)		73.3

1 Women are invited to attend cervical screening once every three years. Uptake statistics are

based on women attending in the previous three and a half; the additional half year ensures that

all data for those women screened are reported on.
2 The age range for routine invitation is 20-60 years.
3 Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation quintiles version 2012.

4 The 2013-14 data is the latest year available by deprivation category. More recent years are unavailable due to ongoing data quality issues

Source: Scottish Cervical Call Recall System, Information Services Division Scotland.

The fair work agenda in social care is a priority for and responsibility shared between the Scottish Government, local authorities and care providers and all partners are expected to make a contribution.

During a telecom briefing to chief executives, I referred to previous agreements on fair work which were based on a tripartite model with providers and local government each making a 25% contribution.

In correspondence to local authorities setting out the terms of my offer, I confirmed that our investment assumes that private and third sector providers will meet their share of the costs. I did not stipulate a specific contribution expected from providers. These costs will be different in each area depending on local markets and therefore local negotiations will determine the overall cost and share of contributions required.

As I announced in the chamber during the Stage 3 debate on the Carers Bill on Thursday, 4 February 2016, The Scottish Government has committed £4.75 million to NHS Board Carer Information Strategies in 2016-17. We have notified health boards of their allocations.

As stated in the answer to question S4W-28765, work to open the Independent Living Fund to new users is currently underway, in co-production with disabled people and their representative organisations and statutory partners. Further detail will be announced in due course.

A direct answer was given to the question put in S4W-30050. The reference to the national guidance was made to provide context, as it explains which NHS service changes are subject to ministerial approval.

Prior to academic year 2014-15, student teacher intake targets for Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) secondary programmes of initial teacher education were not set on a subject specific basis. The table indicates the targets that have been set since 2014-15.

	2014-15	2015-16	2016-17
Science*	175	211	226
English	139	170	194
Maths	120	146	179
PE	39	37	33

*Science = Biology + Chemistry + Physics

In addition to the target for PGDE PE, 100 undergraduate PE places are allocated to the University of Edinburgh each year.

In addition to the target for PGDE science, 30 undergraduate places are allocated to the University of Strathclyde for concurrent degrees in chemistry, maths and physics, and 115 undergraduate places are allocated to the University of Stirling for combined degrees in a broad range of subjects including biology, English, maths and PE.