Chamber and committees

Data provided by the University of Strathclyde for the 2017 intake, and the University of Dundee for the 2018 intake, shows that the number of applicants to their postgraduate educational psychology courses were 71 and 62 respectively.

In Scotland, the Dispenser Payments and Prescription Cost Analysis report provides (on an annual basis), information on the volume of drugs prescribed in the community. The report is published on the National Services Scotland Information Services Division website:- www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Prescribing-and-Medicines/Community-Dispensing/Dispenser-Remuneration/

In addition, ISD Scotland also publish the following Cardiovascular publishing data: https://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Heart-Disease/Publications/2018-01-30/DDD_cost_number_prescriptions_Board_G2.xlsx

These reports show that for the year ending 31st March 2017 , there were 303,551,535 Defined Daily Doses of Statins issued within the community in Scotland. For the year ending 31 st March 2016 , there were 300,009,193 DDD.

A Defined Daily Dose (DDD) is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as “the assumed average maintenance dose per day for a drug used on its main indications in adults”. DDDs are commonly used as a proxy measure of how many patients in the population are taking a particular drug and this allows for some comparison between Health Boards.

NHS England publish figures on prescribing in the community at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/prescription-cost-analysis-england-2017

NHS Wales publishes figures on prescribing in the community at: http://www.primarycareservices.wales.nhs.uk/data-publications

NHS Northern Ireland publishes figures on prescribing in the community at: http://www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/services/2930.htm

The figures published in each of the UK nations use different timeframes and datasets and are therefore not comparable.

I am advised on food safety matters by Food Standards Scotland. FSS considers that current levels of pesticide residues in food, including glyphosate levels do not provide concern for food safety based on current information.

The relevant guidelines for statin prescribing in Scotland are SIGN 149 which is available here:

https://www.sign.ac.uk/assets/sign149.pdf

In England, the equivalent guidelines are published by NICE which are available here:

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg181

NICE guidelines are in use in Wales and Northern Ireland as well as additional local guidance as required.

With respect to a comparison between guidelines, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) have a shared interest in the drive to improve quality of care for patients through the development of clinical guidelines.

A Directors of Planning Thrombectomy Advisory Group (TAG) are progressing development of a national planning framework for the provision of thrombectomy for stroke in Scotland. It is anticipated the framework will be completed by spring 2019.

The framework will be submitted to the National Planning Board (NPB) and follow due process for the planning of NHS Scotland services.

The health and safety of frontline non-NHS staff in the health and social care sectors falls under the governance and care of employers and their occupational health systems.

Vaccination against flu should be considered an integral component of standard infection control procedures. Social care providers and independent primary care providers such as GP, dental and optometry practices, and community pharmacists, should arrange vaccination of their staff.

Each year the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer issue a letter to the NHS setting out arrangements for the flu season. This letter highlights the importance of staff or other individuals who may be at risk of occupational exposure being offered the vaccine by employers. This programme is supported by a range of marketing materials to raise awareness amongst staff, including posters and leaflets.

The Scottish Government’s commitment through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal includes up to £120 million for the grade separation of the A720 Sheriffhall Roundabout which will bring improved economic benefits and inclusion across Edinburgh and South East Scotland and is being progressed by Transport Scotland as part of the City Region Deal. Subject to completing the necessary statutory procedures the improvements at Sheriffhall will be delivered within the timeframe of the City Deal.

Additionally Transport Scotland is undertaking a review of the Strategic Transport Projects Review over the lifetime of this parliament. The A720 is a key part of Scotland’s transport network and will be assessed in its entirety within this Review which will gather robust evidence to enable decisions on investment in strategic infrastructure across Scotland.

The information requested can be obtained from the Parliaments Information Centre (Bib Number 60007).

The first Carer’s Allowance Supplement payments will be made in the week beginning 10 September.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) considers any emerging research and evidence worldwide in providing advice and guidance.