Question reference: S6W-08096
- Asked by: Emma Roddick, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 19 April 2022
-
Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 18 May 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to address reported social worker shortages in specialist (a) adult and (b) paediatric cystic fibrosis centres.
Answer
Due to the variable management required, much of the treatment required by Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients is specialist and tailored to the needs of the individual patient. The Scottish Government therefore expects NHS Boards to treat CF patients according to individual need, this includes ensuring clinical psychologist and social work input when required.
Whilst the Scottish Government set out the wider policy within which NHS Scotland is expected to deliver services, we expect all NHS Boards to provide high quality care that is safe, effective and person-centred. This is a matter for NHS Boards locally. The information requested is not held centrally.
The Scottish Government is committed to working to improve outcomes for people with rare conditions, including Cystic Fibrosis. We are developing an Scottish Action Plan for Rare Disease based on the four priorities of the UK Rare Disease Framework: faster diagnoses, increased awareness, better care co-ordination, and access to specialist treatments and care.