Chamber and committees

While my officials have discussed this matter with North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust, it is primarily a matter for the management of the trust and of Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI). The trust has acknowledged that the conditions at the GRI during the recent industrial action were, understandably, far from ideal. It has, however, advised that it is satisfied that the pictures that recently appeared in the media, and depicted clinical waste lying in corridors, were not a fair representation of conditions at the hospital and showed designated collection points.

It is for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to determine whether it should investigate incidents connected to NHS facilities, in line with its responsibilities in ensuring the health and safety of employees or members of the public under the Health and Safety at Work Act.I understand that the HSE contacted the Head of Health and Safety at the North Glasgow University Hospitals NHS Trust on 8 August, when the allegation appeared in the media that clinical waste was being left lying in public areas at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI). On that occasion the HSE was satisfied that a visit to GRI was not necessary, although the trust and HSE will continue to liaise on a range of issues as is the case throughout NHS Scotland.

The dispute was a matter between Sodexho and UNISON and has now been successfully resolved through a negotiated settlement undertaken and completed at local level.

All new building work, including alterations and extensions, which is covered by the building regulations must comply with the Technical Standards for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 (as amended). The issue of access to buildings for disabled people is covered by Part S of the Technical Standards (Access to and movement within buildings, and protective barriers). Repair work is not covered, and parts of buildings unaffected by an extension may not be covered.From 1 October 1999, a service provider, under Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, has had to take reasonable steps to remove barriers to services and by 1 October 2004 these barriers should have been removed.

As the Minister for Social Justice explained in her letter of 11 July 2002, we are considering this issue. We do not have a firm timetable for review at present.

The Scottish Executive does not provide financial assistance to businesses wanting to provide disability access when renovating and extending existing premises.

The Scottish Executive is currently considering the Office of Fair Trading report in detail and, in formulating its response is consulting widely with all key stakeholders.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26975 on 4 July 2002.

I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-26975.

The Scottish Older People's Advisory Group has three representatives on the Older People's Consultative Forum.