Chamber and committees

Waiting times statistics for patients requiring injections for pain relief are not held centrally by Public Health Scotland (PHS).

Waiting time statistics on the waits experienced by patients for first chronic pain appointments can be found on the PHS website at the following link: https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/chronic-pain-waiting-times/chronic-pain-waiting-times-quarter-ending-30-june-2021/.

The Centre for Integrative Care (CIC) is a facility run by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which offers a range of treatments and therapies for people with a range of long-term conditions, including chronic pain. All NHS Boards in Scotland retain the option of referring people to the CIC for treatment.

Transport Scotland maintain regular engagement with Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) and other partners regarding future vessel projects. These discussions include appropriate consideration of design and operating options, including alternative fuels. CMAL also continues to work as part of the HySeas III consortium in its role as concept designer for potential hydrogen fuelled vessels.

We have started the transfer of approximately 52,000 DLA Child awards from DWP to Social Security Scotland. We will begin the transfer of approximately 300,000 awards of Personal Independence Payment in summer 2022.

Our aim is to safely and securely complete case transfer for all people in Scotland in receipt of disability and carer benefits by the end of 2025. We will do so sooner if possible, as long as we do not risk the process being anything other than safe and secure for this significantly large number of people, and will do so jointly with the UK Government as case transfer is a joint programme of work.

The Scottish Government will set out a strengthened framework of support in the forthcoming Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan in 2022, to support the growth of the marine renewables and offshore wind sectors, focused on funding for the infrastructure these sectors need, such as port upgrades.

The most recent Scottish Fiscal Commission forecasts, published on 26 August 2021, estimate that an additional 209,000 people, who are not in receipt of Personal Independence Payment, will apply for Adult Disability Payment between 2022-23 - 2026-27.

Scottish Government provides expansion grants to SMEs primarily through our 3 Enterprise Agencies (Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, and South of Scotland Enterprise) and the Local Authorities. These can be found in detail – including how to apply – on the ‘FindBusinessSupport’ portal which also provides information about what advice, grants and other forms of finance are available to help SMEs. SMEs can also access free business advice – including on the availability of expansion grants - access to market intelligence, and an extensive network of contacts, from Business Gateway which has local offices all over Scotland.

The Scottish Government committed in the Programme for Government to develop an Export Plan for Renewables . This Plan will be developed in partnership with the industry and stakeholders, including Scottish Renewables. Consideration of an energy skills and services export target will be included as part of this process.

The Scottish Government wants to improve opportunities, outcomes and support for people with learning disabilities including Down’s Syndrome. To this end, we have committed to introducing a Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill as part of the Programme for Government. This Bill will ensure that the rights of people with Down’s Syndrome, among others, are respected and protected.

To help make sure that the new legislation is championed when it is implemented, we will create a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodiversity Commissioner through the new law.

Additionally, we have set out our commitment to people with a learning disability, including those with Down’s Syndrome, and their families through the Keys to Life Learning Disability strategy and the Towards Transformation Learning Disability and Autism Plan . Both strategies focus on outcomes intended to ensure people with a learning disability live healthier lives, enjoy choice and control over the services they use, and are supported to be independent and active citizens.

The independent review of Moray Maternity Services has reported to Ministers and has been published today at https://www.gov.scot/publications/report-moray-maternity-services-review/ . I would like to thank Ralph Roberts and the review team for a comprehensive and well written report, and for undertaking the extensive programme of engagement to hear the voices of local people and staff in Moray. I would also like to thank local service users, MSPs, staff and leaders in NHS Grampian and NHS Highland for contributing their time, their views and their experiences that underpin the report. I intend as soon as possible, and when Parliamentary Business allows, to make a statement to Parliament on this issue, and to visit Moray to discuss the findings of the report with NHS Grampian staff, local people and local MSPs.