Minutes: 03 October 2023

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 4 to 6 in private.

2. National Care Service (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee took evidence on the Bill at Stage 1 from—

Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport, Donna Bell, Director of Social Care and National Care Service Development and Rachael McGruer, Deputy Director, Social Care and National Care Service Development, Scottish Government.

Clare Haughey declared an interest as a member of UNISON.

Emma Harper declared an interest as a registered nurse.

Sandesh Gulhane declared an interest as a practising NHS GP.

3. Pre-budget scrutiny 2024-25:

The Committee took evidence from—

Richard McCallum, Director of Health Finance and Governance, Stephen Lea-Ross, Deputy Director of Health Workforce, Planning and Development and Niamh O’Connor, Deputy Director, Directorate of Population Health, Scottish Government.

Sandesh Gulhane declared an interest as a practising NHS GP.

Clare Haughey declared an interest as a registered mental health nurse.

4. Inquiry into female participation in sport and physical activity:

The Committee considered and agreed a draft report.

5. National Care Service (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2 and agreed to invite certain stakeholders to give additional oral evidence on the Bill at a future meeting.

6. Pre-budget scrutiny 2024-25:

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 3 and agreed to write to the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care.