Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)

Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

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Question reference: S6W-42783

Asked by: Carol Mochan, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 22 December 2025
Current Status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 5 January 2026

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports of an epidural kit shortage.

The supply of medicines, including managing shortages, is a reserved matter and is the responsibility of the UK Government’s Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). The Scottish Government works closely with the UK Government on all related medicines supply issues and there are well-established and robust processes in place to communicate, address and mitigate any risks as result of any medicines supply issues that occur.

On 2 December, a National Patient Safety Alert was issued about the supply issues affecting epidural bags. The alert outlines actions to minimise the potential impact of the shortage. The DHSC has also sourced sufficient supplies of clinically equivalent alternatives. In Scotland, NHS National Procurement has confirmed that the situation is stable from a supply perspective and Health Boards are receiving allocations of alternative epidural bags, meaning that patients should see no change in their care.

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Question reference: S6W-42783

Answer