Chamber and committees

I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-23429 on 14 May 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament''s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Estimates suggest that boating and diving industries generate in excess £255 million for the Scottish economy. We are undertaking work to provide more robust estimates of the economic value of other industries in the leisure and tourism sector.

As part of their general inspection programme Her Majesty''s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) continue to review and report on provision for children with additional support needs in all schools across Scotland. In November 2007, they published a report, commissioned by the Government, on the evaluation of the implementation of the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004.

Where required the Scottish Government will also commission independent research. For example, it has in the past commissioned research into the impact of mainstream education in schools in Scotland which was published in January 2006.

The Code of Practice will be revised and consulted on in due course and will contain developed guidance on all matters relating to the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act including post-school transitions.

The National Transitions Development Officer will contribute to this work and will produce more specific guidance relating to transitions at a future date.

Twenty-two toxin positive specimens were sent by NHS Orkney to NHS Grampian. The Consultant Medical Microbiologists within NHS Grampian decide on which toxin positive samples are cultured for Clostridium difficile based on clinical details, outbreaks and severity of illness.

Of the 22 toxin positive specimens sent to NHS Grampian by NHS Orkney, nine were identified as culture positive and were forwarded to the national reference laboratory for typing.

NHS Orkney has confirmed that all new staff receive a two hour face-to-face infection control session as part of their induction training. The training is delivered by clinical staff and includes sessions on how infection spreads, the different types of infection, how infection is controlled and hand hygiene. In addition, 170 staff have, in the past 12 months, accessed a healthcare associated infection online module that is divided into five tutorials. This covers the background to infection control and healthcare associated infection, the standard precautions that all staff should take, hand hygiene, protocols for segregation of waste and linen and decontamination protocols. These staff represent 31% of total headcount within NHS Orkney. Forty-seven members of staff (16% of eligible head count) have also completed the Cleanliness Champion Training programme, which is an in-depth infection control training module that requires 20 hours of study, mentorship and sign off of a portfolio of work.

During, and since the outbreak, face-to-face training on Clostridium difficile has also been delivered to staff. This has covered the epidemiology of the organism, the importance of infection control principles, case management, surveillance, information for families and hand hygiene protocols. This training was delivered within the ward setting and the percentages of staff involved is presented in the following table:

Ward	% Staff
Piper Ward	99%
Male Ward	75%
Female Ward	88%
Ninian Ward	85%
Macmillan	60%
Renal Unit	100%
Day Surgery	100%
Theatre	80%
Maternity	80%

 

The responses to the consultation process on the establishment of the Care Environment Inspectorate will be published on the NHS Quality Improvement Scotland website.

The Fair for All agenda looks to ensure that whatever the individuals circumstances they have access to the right health services for their needs.

Guidance entitled Achieving fair access was issued to the NHS in April 2007 and is available at http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/2033.aspx.

Section 4 of the guidance covers accessible service delivery and section 4.4 provides advice on admission to health services.

As a response to the recommendations of the fatal accident inquiries the Scottish Government asked NHS boards to prepare action plans for improvement to services. The plans show a range of actions that aim to ensure people with a learning disability are appropriately supported on admission to acute care.

The Airdrie to Bathgate Railway improvement is currently planned to open on 12 December 2010 which is in line with the original schedule given by the project sponsors, Network Rail.

The Keeper creates a title sheet for a property based upon the deed submitted for registration, accompanying documentation including the application form, and where the property is being registered in the Land Register for the first time, prior deeds for that property as recorded in the General Register of Sasines. The Keeper may also request additional evidence from the applicant that he considers necessary to evidence the legal title of the property in respect of which registration is being sought. If the information provided and the examination of title by the Keeper does not reveal any legal or title discrepancy, a title sheet will be completed without exclusion of indemnity.