Chamber and committees

Transport Scotland and Sustrans have worked with a number of organisations who represent disabled people. These include, the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS), The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), and Guide Dogs for the Blind. The input from these organisations was valuable in the development of guidance and support to local authorities to deliver their Spaces for People schemes.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-07532 on 19 April 2022. 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-questionsand-answers

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-07664 on 19 April 2022. 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 identification, assessment and management of people with long-term effects of COVID-19 in Scotland is guided by the recommendations of an evidence-based UK-wide clinical guideline developed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and the Royal College of GPs (RCGP).

This is underpinned by the full range of NHS services – including primary care teams and community-based rehabilitation services with referrals to secondary care where necessary.

Scottish Government consultations and supporting documents are published to gov.scot and our consultation hub at consult.gov.scot. We are continuously working to make those websites as accessible and usable as possible for all users.

Past consultations on issues identified as affecting disabled people have been produced in various accessible formats, for example, Easy Read, large print and British Sign Language. Furthermore, accessible consultation events are regularly tailored to meet the different needs of disabled people in partnership with Disabled People’s Organisations. These ensure meaningful engagement with disabled people on issues they identify as being important to them.

In our Equality Outcomes for the 2021-2025 reporting period, we committed to improving and embedding inclusive communication within Government and across the wider public sector. Some of the actions we will take to achieve this include working in partnership with public bodies, equality advocacy groups and people with lived experience to create national standards and best practice examples of inclusive communication. Through this programme of work we want to improve the accessibility of published documents, including consultations, so that everyone can engage with them.

Staff are also provided with a range of training and guidance to help them meet these commitments, and the Scottish Government has established a network of accessibility champions to promote best practice across the organisation.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-05799 on 26 January 2022. 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

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-05799 on 26 January 2022. 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

We recognise the need for urgent action to address our twin nature and climate crises. That is why we are not waiting until the introduction of the Natural Environment Bill to take action. We have already committed to invest £65 in our Nature Restoration Fund over the course of this Parliament and £250 restoring our peatland over this decade. We will soon be consulting on our new Biodiversity Strategy where we will set out our ambitious vision for a nature rich Scotland. We remain committed to introducing a Natural Environment Bill in year 3 which will include nature targets to help tackle the biodiversity and climate crises.

The Scottish Sarcoma Network is tasked with looking at this issue more closely for the whole of Scotland, particularly regarding any educational shortfalls that may exist.

The Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer were published in 2019 and support primary care professionals in identifying patients with potential symptoms of cancer who require urgent assessment by a specialist. These include guidelines for suspected sarcoma.

The use of the Picture Archiving Communications System (PACS) enables all radiologists to work together to ensure patients with scans indicating suspicion of sarcoma can be discussed with a sarcoma specialist radiologist. The responsible GP or consultant can refer the patient to the nearest sarcoma specialist centre.

As covered in the response to S6W-07980 on 26 April 2022, the Scottish Government’s response to the Zero Emissions Social Housing Taskforce report will be published after the Scottish Local government elections. The response will address the recommendation of establishing a Housing Net Zero Technical Steering Group.

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