Chamber and committees

This is a matter for lawyers and the patients concerned. As such, the Scottish Government does not hold the information sought.

Health Boards may seek out-of-area treatments for patients where considered necessary and appropriate. However, any such referral is a matter for the patient and the clinicians involved in the case.

As indicated in answer to S5W-23623, answered on 6 June 2019, should a patient make a request of this kind, clinicians will initially have a discussion with that patient and, if agreed, will then refer it to the Health Board for consideration. The Health Board will review the application, in doing so considering whether the treatment requested can reasonably be provided in Scotland, and in due course will inform the clinician and patient whether the request is accepted.

All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

A specialist mesh complications clinician was present at the conference in question. Whilst that clinician intended to speak to Dr Veronikis, she was not able to as he departed before she had the opportunity.

The First Minister and Chief Medical Officer have spoken to Dr Veronikis and the Chief Medical Officer, accompanied by Scottish clinicians, is visiting him in the US this week. The visit gives clinicians the opportunity to directly observe Dr Veronikis and members of his multidisciplinary team in his practice in a different healthcare environment and to explore how his skills could best be used in any return visit to Scotland.

The award of any contract is a matter for the Health Board concerned, once it has applied due diligence. The Health Board providing the contract determines how it would assure itself, depending on the nature of what is being proposed. An important consideration is the evidence of practice it is in a position to assess, for example previous contacts and experience with existing clinicians, the availability of published papers, etc. In addition, there are a number of details that would need to be clarified prior to any visit, including patient selection, pre-op assessment and imaging, after-care and follow-up, time period, terms and conditions, remuneration, and so on.

The precise detail of any contract, including in the case of Dr Veronikis, will therefore be considered on this basis as for other visiting clinicians.

All cases are treated individually depending on the circumstances of the patient in question. In each case the Scottish Government expects all appropriate and available treatments to be discussed with the patient, allowing the patient to give their informed consent.

Neither the Scottish Government nor NHS Central Legal Office holds the information sought.

Scottish Government officials informally discussed with Dr Veronikis the possibility of meeting with him during his September visit. However, this was ultimately not considered practical.

Scottish Government officials partake in regular discussions with colleagues in the UK Government and other devolved administrations on matters relating to transvaginal mesh. Whilst officials have not held detailed discussions with other UK countries about bringing Dr Veronikis to Scotland, colleagues in the other administrations are keen that we keep them informed of developments.

In addition, officials have corresponded with the GMC concerning Dr Veronikis.

The continued sharing of learning and experience is an accepted part of a clinician’s role. UK clinicians will seek to work with other clinicians or academics based on their reputation amongst peers and an assessment of the specific learning or technical practice they can bring.

Should any engagement require a formal contract, Health Boards will undertake due diligence as set out in answer to S5W-25684 on 8 November 2019.

All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .