Chamber and committees

As set out in my response to S5W-28055 on 7 April 2020, an app MY COPD already exists which patients can access. The third sector provide a crucial role in supporting people with long-term respiratory conditions and the guidance sets out where people can access support - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-tailored-advice-for-those-who-live-with-specific-medical-conditions/ .

All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

The Scottish Government is aware that this is a worrying time for people but, it is absolutely vital that people stay at home during this time in order to protect those most at risk and the NHS.

The Scottish Government is proactively providing guidance to groups who require to increase social distancing, such as those adults with underlying respiratory conditions. This guidance can be found at https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-tailored-advice-for-those-who-live-with-specific-medical-conditions/ .

Treatment plans are specific to individuals and should not be changed without advice from a medical professional. If an individual is receiving treatment for a respiratory condition, it is important that they take extra care of their overall wellbeing, and attending hospital appointments is part of this. Clinical teams will try to minimise the time people spend in hospital departments, for example arranging telephone or Near Me video consultations.

In terms of accessing pulmonary rehabilitation at this time, the My COPD app contains a pulmonary rehabilitation section and many charities provide support to people living with long-term lung conditions. The British Lung Foundation, for example, provides exercise videos designed for this group.

I met with STUC on 11th, 18th and 24th March to consider how we can support workers and encourage fair work practices in response to COVID-19. We share the concerns of the STUC that the most economically vulnerable in our society must be protected through this time, including supporting workers to self-isolate and take other measures when they need to. I have been meeting with STUC bi-weekly and will continue to do so.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-28062 on 31 March 2020. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

The Scottish Government has issued an approval to enable women having an early medical abortion to take both abortion pills at home. The intention is that this approval will remain in place during the Covid-19 outbreak. This will ensure patients can have their consultation by telephone or video call so they can follow public health advice to stay at home. Following the consultation, if the patient wishes to proceed, and where this is clinically appropriate for them, the medication will be delivered to their home. Patients will be given clear instructions on how and when to take the medication and will be given contact details they can call at any time if they have any concerns or queries.

Some patients will still need to be seen in person where there are clinical reasons for this, but this change should help minimise the number of patients attending clinics during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Chief Medical Officer has written to NHS Boards to encourage them to implement this as soon as possible for those patients for whom it is appropriate. She has also asked them to ensure as part of their contingency planning that all women who choose to have an abortion can continue to access abortion services within the legal time limits.

Whilst there is a legal requirement for two registered medical practitioners to sign off each abortion, the CMO’s letter also provides further information to help NHS Boards continue to ensure the legal requirements are met and allow terminations to proceed without delays. NHS Boards have been asked to consider whether doctors can review a patient’s notes remotely and sign forms electronically. The Scottish Government understands that NHS Boards are willing to help one another with providing opinions on abortion and signing off if any individual Board needs support.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-28062 on 31 March 2020. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-28062 on 31 March 2020. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-28062 on 31 March 2020. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

I have asked Teresa Medhurst, Interim Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), to respond. Her response is as follows:

NHS staff on duty within prisons will provide a clinical response to an overdose in custody, including the administration of naloxone during the day. Night shift staff and managers have been trained in the safe administration of intra-muscular naloxone in emergency ‘first on the scene’ situations when no NHS staff are on duty. These staff have access to intra-muscular Naloxone via their local night shift protocols.

In 2017 a total of 272 Operational night shift staff were in receipt of full up-to-date training in the administration of naloxone. This training included the Private Prisons HMP Addiewell and HMP Kilmarnock. Of these 207 were public sector operational night shift staff. This represents 79% of the total night shift complement for public sector prisons. It should be noted that some night shift staff may be employed on part time contracts, so the total number of individual staff may exceed the complemented figure.

Our intention is to publish the Women’s Health Plan by the end of this year.