Chamber and committees

The NHS Scotland National Access Policy provides that whilst the vast majority of patients are seen within their local area, services may also be delivered through another Health Board or suitable alternative provider.

We have commissioned NHS National Services Scotland to establish a National Strategic Network for long COVID. This brings together representatives from Health Boards across NHS Scotland to provide a forum for the exchange of learning and best practice in delivering support and services for people with long COVID.

Information on the destination of referrals made for patients in relation to long COVID is not held centrally. This is a matter for territorial NHS Boards.

The Mental Health Strategy 2017-2027 set out a 10-year vision of where mental health funding would be focused. This included areas such as additional investment for mental health workers and improved provision of services including CAMHS.

In addition, our Mental Health Transition and Recovery Plan was introduced in 2021-22 which set out the key commitments in responding to the mental health needs resulting from COVID. This included funding for Children, Young People and Families, Older People, Distress Interventions and other areas listed in the Plan. This was backed by a £120 million Recovery and Renewal Fund which has subsequently been included in the overall budget allocation for mental health services in each financial year since.

As this is an operational matter for Scottish Water, I have asked them to respond. Their reply is as follows:

Scottish Water is taking steps to secure the building. No decision on the long term future of the cottage has yet been taken; any decisions in relation to this matter would need to be in line with public finance guidelines and principles.

The Scottish Government welcomes the participation of civil society in developing local responses to issues affecting people in Scotland.

It is for Local Authorities, Health Boards and other public services to best engage on issues regarding service delivery at a local level, and the Scottish Government encourages all voluntary and community organisations to work with public bodies for the best outcomes for their communities.

There are no plans for a visit at this point time. The Scottish Government remains grateful to Glasgow Street Aid and other voluntary organisations who provide care and support across Scotland.

Individual voluntary sector organisations are not routinely involved in Scottish Government Resilience Room meetings.

The Scottish Government is aware that Network Rail has arrangements in place to assist other organisations to invest in appropriate developments around the railway estate. These arrangements are intended to facilitate beneficial third-party investment in the railway, and we continue to support the use of these by Scotland’s Railway.

We have asked staff to include the idea in the next survey of products available via our shop as a potential MSP only product branded with the Scottish Parliament identity. Whilst the Member will be aware that MSPs are unable to claim the cost of such gifts or awards under the Members’ Expenses Scheme as it does not form part of their parliamentary duties, there is scope for MSPs to personally choose to present and pay for such items. Initial research indicates plaques are likely to be expensive hence we will research demand and supply during next year’s survey.

The Home Office is responsible for the provision of asylum accommodation and support, including the use of contingency hotels. The Scottish Government has consistently made clear to UK Government that hotels are not appropriate accommodation and we continue to be concerned about the effect prolonged stays in hotels have on people’s wellbeing.

People seeking asylum living in Scotland are entitled to access healthcare, including referral to mental health services. The Scottish Government funds a range of action that supports mental health and wellbeing which is available to anyone living in Scotland, regardless of their residence status.

Every suicide is a tragedy with a far-reaching impact on family, friends and the wider community. In implementing the Scottish Government and CoSLA’s suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together, and its first 3-year Action Plan, we are working hard to tackle the inequalities that can lead to suicide and are prioritising communities and groups—including asylum seekers and refugees—with a heightened risk of suicide.