Chamber and committees

As set out in the Programme for Government 2021 - 22, published on 7 September 2021, the Scottish Government is committed to establishing a dignified and compassionate miscarriage service by the end of 2023. This commitment includes ensuring women’s services have dedicated facilities for women experiencing unexpected pregnancy complications.

Section 35B of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 sets out the statutory basis for annual reporting on progress to implementation of Climate Change Plans.

The Scottish Government’s update to the 2018 Climate Change Plan, which was finalised earlier this year, includes a refreshed monitoring framework to underpin the statutory annual reporting. In May 2021, the first set of monitoring reports prepared on this basis was laid in the Scottish Parliament.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-02989 on‎ 27 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 welcomes the Migraine Trust report as an important document setting out some of the difficulties faced by people living with migraine. At the start of this year the Modernising Patients Pathway Programme (MPPP) initiated a Headache Management Pathway. This process is well underway, focusing initially on migraine. This developing pathway addresses key areas outlined in the Migraine Trust report and has representation from pharmacy, general practice, emergency medicine and neurology. I understand that the migraine section is due to be completed by the end of 2021 and will review the Migraine Trust report as part of that process.

More widely, the Centre for Sustainable Delivery continues to support work on Active Clinical Referral Triage. This works aims to ensure that patients with neurological conditions who require appointments most urgently are seen as soon as possible, while those who may not benefit from a Consultant appointment are returned to the GP with advice and guidance. The Centre is also working to expand Discharge Patient Initiated Review, which aims to avoid unnecessary return appointments, again supporting access for those patient who need to be seen in a timely manner.

As indicated in the report, a majority of the responding NHS health boards have reported having a headache service. Within smaller health boards, this may be as part of a general neurology service, or a referral route to one of the tertiary services.

To support workforce capacity and planning, Scottish Government will publish a National Workforce Strategy by the end of this year, which supports the remobilisation, recovery and renewal of Health and Social Care Services. The Strategy will articulate a long-term health and social care workforce vision, alongside our priorities for workforce growth, recruitment, retention, training and development, and will build upon our ongoing work to support Boards’ workforce capacity.

Officials recently met with the Migraine Trust to discuss current issues regarding migraine care in Scotland and potential areas for future progress and partnership working, and the Scottish Government is happy to work further with stakeholders in raising awareness of Migraine Awareness Week going forward.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-02989 on‎ 27 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

Our priority is to ensure a successful, safe and secure COP26 in November and Ministers and officials are working with UK Government counterparts, our partners in Glasgow and the relevant public health bodies to achieve this.

We are continuing to work closely with the UK Government, Glasgow City Council, and all our partners to ensure that strong COVID mitigation measures are in place that will support the full and active participation of international delegates, and protect public health.

Further details on vaccine certification for registered COP26 delegates will be announced shortly.

The Cabinet Sub-Committee on the Climate Emergency is currently being established. Once finalised, the remit of the new Sub-committee, including its membership and operating arrangements will be subject to approval by the First Minister. It is however envisaged that the first meeting will take place during October 2021.

The Scottish Government has already given a point by point response [on 24 March 2021] to all recommendations from the four Committees that scrutinised our update to the 2018 Climate Change Plan.

As stated in that response, the Committees’ advice will be considered and incorporated as part of the wider approach to keeping our package of policies on climate change under review, with a view to outlining further policy action where appropriate in sector strategies or plans, as well as in the next statutory Climate Change Plan.

The Cabinet Sub-Committee on the Climate Emergency is currently being established. Once finalised, the remit of the new Sub-committee, including its membership and operating arrangements will be subject to approval by the First Minister.

I am grateful that these resources have been made available by the group. I would like to engage more with the group to discuss what actions we can take in Scotland to harness the benefits from this sector to the people of Scotland and the environment. My officials will be in touch to begin discussions.