Minutes: 01 October 2024

1. Declaration of interests:

Gordon MacDonald was invited to declare any relevant interests, and declared that his wife is a district nurse with NHS Lothian.

2. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 6 in private.

3. National Care Service (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee took evidence on the Bill at Stage 2 from—

Fiona Davies, Chief Executive of NHS Highland and Board Chief Executive Lead, and Karen Reid, Chief Executive of NHS Education for Scotland and Board Chief Executive Lead, NHS Board Chief Executives' Group;

Julie Murray, Chief Officer, East Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership, Health and Social Care Scotland;

and then from—

Rosemary Agnew, Scottish Public Services Ombudsman;

Maree Allison, Chief Executive, Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC);

Edith Macintosh, Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director for Strategy and Improvement, Care Inspectorate;

Robbie Pearson, Chief Executive, Healthcare Improvement Scotland;

and then from—

Isla Davie KC, Faculty of Advocates;

Jennifer Paton, Head of Policy, Law Society of Scotland;

Jan Savage, Executive Director, Scottish Human Rights Commission.

Sandesh Gulhane declared an interest as a practising NHS GP.

Emma Harper declared an interest as a former nurse clinical educator with NHS Dumfries and Galloway.

Clare Haughey declared an interest as holding a bank nurse contract with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

4. National Care Service (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 3.

5. Healthcare in remote and rural areas (in private):

The Committee considered a draft report. Various changes were agreed to, and the Committee agreed to consider an updated draft via correspondence.

6. Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee considered and agreed a revised approach to the scrutiny of the Bill at Stage 1.