Chamber and committees

In October 2022, we announced that further Scottish Government funding of £8m was being made available to recruit allied health professionals and midwives from overseas for the first time alongside nurses whereas the £4.5m funding in 2021 for international recruitment was provided solely for registered nurses.

I am pleased to advise that between October 2022 and 30 September 2023, a total of 109 AHPs have been recruited from overseas and are in posts across NHS Scotland, with further arrivals expected as we continue to support international recruitment. The Scottish Government does not hold data centrally relating to the AHP professions recruited to, that information is held by employing health boards.

The appearance of synthetic opioids in the drug supply has been a concern for Scottish Government for some time and something which will likely be exacerbated by the reduction in opium production as reported by the UNODC. We are working alongside colleagues across the UK to identify areas for collaborative working on this issue with the various UK administrations, national police forces and the National Crime Agency.

Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are often extremely potent opioid receptor agonists, however, naloxone is still effective in the treatment of any overdose. This is why we have invested over £3 million in widening access to naloxone, making it easier for people to access and supporting Police Scotland and our other emergency services to carry kits.

Having reliable data about substances of concern in the drug supply is key and is why we have supported Public Health Scotland to establish the RADAR (Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response) system. We also continue to progress plans with local partners to establish drug checking facilities as this will also provide up-to-date information about the substances in the drug supply. We are aware that nitazenes have been present in the drug supply and Public Health Scotland issued an alert regarding nitazenes in January 2023 and the UK Government have since issued a similar alert. RADARs quarterly report published in October 2023 also reported that nitzenes have been detected in post-mortem and hospital toxicology samples.

Recognising the global challenge around the appearance of new synthetic opioids, the Minister for Drug and Alcohol Policy and members of the Scottish Governments National Mission Oversight Group on Drugs are meeting with international colleagues to hear about their experience of dealing with the appearance of fentanyl and synthetic opioids in the drug supply, and their response, in early November. A further meeting is being organised to discuss operational level issues with international colleagues and Scottish drug service delivery providers.

This year’s COVID-19 vaccine marketing and communication plan utilises a number of communication channels to reach those with a weakened immune system, under the “Don’t let your protection fade” campaign. The accompanying marketing toolkit includes a range of assets directed at those who are at higher risk of COVID-19. This toolkit has been shared with Health Boards and stakeholders for them to promote via their own communication channels. The national campaign has also promoted vaccination for those at clinical risk.

All those eligible for winter vaccination have been sent an invitation letter with either a scheduled appointment or instructions on how to book an appointment. Included with this is a leaflet which includes information around why those eligible are being offered a COVID-19 vaccine this winter.

Specific leaflets have been produced for the clinical at risk child and infant groups. These leaflets are designed to help parents/carers make an informed decision about getting their child vaccinated.

All programme patient leaflets can be viewed on NHS Inform.

Winter vaccines briefings for professionals working with people at higher risk are available on the Public Health Scotland website. These explain the importance of the winter vaccines and encourage healthcare professionals to speak to their patients about being vaccinated.

The information requested is not held centrally by the Scottish Government. This is a matter for individual health boards who are responsible for providing healthcare in prisons and police custody suites.

The Action 15 commitment was intended to provide additional mental health recruitment to support A&E, police station custody suites, GP practices and prisons. Decisions on where posts were located were for Health Boards, based on their local priorities.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-22760 on 14 November 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-22759 on 14 November 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

The information requested is not held centrally by the Scottish Government. This is a matter for individual health boards who are responsible for providing healthcare in prisons and police custody suites.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-22759 on 14 November 2023. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

The building regulations in Scotland require that the materials used must be durable, and fit for their intended purpose. The regulations and supporting guidance also restrict the use of highly combustible materials depending on where the products are used in the building. More detailed information is provided in the Technical Handbooks available on the Scottish Government website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.gov.scot/policies/building-standards/monitoring-improving-building-regulations/ .

Construction products regulation is a matter reserved to the UK Government. Insulation products are generally tested and certified to relevant British and / or harmonised European tests, including being tested for reaction to fire properties.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have published ‘Spray foam insulation: a clear, impartial guide’, to inform surveyors and building owners on application and risks when used in existing buildings. The guide is available on the RICS website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.rics.org/news-insights/rics-release-new-spray-foam-consumer-guide.

The Scottish Government has commissioned NHS Education for Scotland to create a bespoke training package and framework which is focussed on menopause and menstrual health for general practice and others working in Primary Care.

Through the recent establishment of the National Menstrual Health Clinical Network there is provision of access to peer support, expert clinical advice, training and sharing of best practice for clinicians with an interest in menstrual health, including those in primary care teams.