Question reference: S6W-10589
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 25 August 2022
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 20 September 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what impact rising energy costs will have on the ability of pulmonary rehabilitation services to secure non-hospital spaces, such as community halls and leisure centres.
Answer
The Scottish Government recognises that pulmonary rehabilitation is an important element of respiratory care. Since the publication of our Respiratory Care Action Plan in March 2021, we have established the Scottish Respiratory Advisory Committee (SRAC) to oversee its implementation. They have identified pulmonary rehabilitation as one of the key priorities for 2022.
To take forward this key priority, we have established a group of clinical experts from across Scotland, as well as involving people living with respiratory conditions. The group are currently carrying out a scoping exercise to determine areas of good practice and areas that require improvement, including access to appropriate venues. This scoping exercise will aid the development of consistent guidance on access to and delivery of pulmonary rehabilitation services across Scotland. The group will also seek out new and innovative approaches in pulmonary rehabilitation and support boards to test new models out with traditional health settings.
Increased energy costs are one of a range of cost pressures NHS Boards need to manage in order to deliver services that best meet the needs of their local populations.
We have committed to an Emergency Budget Review to tackle the challenges facing public finances and help support those hit hardest by the cost crisis. The Scottish Government continues to work with NHS Boards to address financial pressures across the system, to the support recovery and reform and delivery of a financially, environmentally and socially sustainable health and care services.