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We are working to ensure lessons identified from our policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic are put in place and that policy across government is better able to respond to the next pandemic. This includes clear responsibilities for preparedness and response; to include NHS resilience, Scottish Resilience (through SGORR), and cross-Scottish Government policy consideration of our existing plans, drawing on learnings including the UK Chief Medical Officers Technical report on the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK and Public Health Scotland’s National Incident Management Team reporting.

We are working with the UK Government and other administrations to strengthen the capabilities and countermeasures required to address future pandemics, including retaining stockpiles of PPE and the purchase of vaccines and medicines. We have established a Standing Committee on Pandemic Preparedness which provided interim recommendations on future pandemic preparedness in August 2022. We anticipate that the Standing Committee on Pandemic Preparedness will provide its final report in the summer 2024 for consideration.

We are committed to responding to both the UK and Scottish Covid-19 inquiries, as learning lessons from the pandemic is vital to prepare for the future.

Waiting times for planned care services is one of many metrics that contributes to the monitoring of performance and effectiveness across NHSScotland.

There have been several changes to waiting time targets and standards over the last 30 years. The Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 established a 12 week Treatment Time Guarantee (TTG) written into legislation for eligible patients who are due to receive planned inpatient or day case treatment from 1 October 2012. The Act states that eligible patients must start to receive that treatment within 12 weeks (84 days) of the treatment being agreed. This guarantee is based on completed waits where a patient is removed from the list after being admitted for treatment.

To support the above guarantee, from 31 March 2010 no patient should wait longer than 12 weeks for a new outpatient appointment at a consultant-led clinic. More information on this can be found on the Public Health Scotland website section on waiting times .

More recently, in July 2022 new targets were set out for NHSScotland to address the impact of the pandemic on long waiting times for planned care. Public Health Scotland publish progress against these targets quarterly: Stage of treatment waiting times - Inpatients, day cases and new outpatients quarter ending 30 September 2023 - NHS waiting times - stage of treatment - Publications - Public Health Scotland

The Scottish Ambulance Service is currently in the planning stages to reprofile their smartphones to enable staff to utilise the video consulting service “NEAR ME”, where appropriate and in the best interests of patient care.

The Scottish Government recognises that maximizing the use of recoverable or waste heat, which at present goes unused, remains a priority.

For heat network developers, there are clear incentives to connect to this heat as it can be an economical source of heat, where buildings or the processes operating in them can provide surplus heat to our homes and buildings, potentially lowering the cost of heat for heat network customers and providing an income for heat source providers.

We are seeking evidence in our Heat in Buildings Bill consultation about whether requirements should be placed on owners of unused heat. Following the closure of the consultation we will analyse responses to questions on recoverable or waste heat and use this to guide our development of recoverable and waste heat policy.

The Heat in Buildings Bill consultation proposes that local authorities and the Scottish Ministers may be provided with powers to require buildings within a Heat Network Zone to end their use of polluting heating systems (by a certain date and with a minimum notice period).

We do not specify any sub-sets of buildings which may be affected by these proposals, in order to gain thorough feedback in response to our consultation. Thereafter we will analyse responses to help determine whether to take these proposals forward, including whether they may be restricted to particular types of buildings.

In March 2022 we published The Heat Networks Delivery Plan, which sets out a building hierarchy table for connection to a heat network and can also support our policy development in this area. It sets out that within a heat network zone it will be important to encourage and prioritise the connection of key anchor buildings, which can enable the efficient operation of a heat network, helping to reduce customer costs and enabling the extension of the network over time to other nearby buildings.

District heat network development: Building Connection Hierarchy*

sportscotland’s budget has remained stable this year, with a £100k reduction due to a reduced requirement for non-cash funding and offsetting increase in resource requirement, both relating to recent accounting changes.

We have committed to ensure that the Active Schools programme is free for all children and young people by the end of this Parliament. sportscotland works in partnership with all 32 local authorities to invest in and support Active Schools. Active Schools is dedicated to developing and supporting the delivery of high quality sport and physical activity opportunities to all children and young people, taking an inclusive approach and providing targeted opportunities where there is a need. Data published by sportscotland shows significantly increased participation levels across the past academic year (2022-23), with 4.6 million visits to Active Schools sessions, a rise of 34% on 2021-22.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-24582 on 1 February 2024. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

The Scottish Government recognises the important contribution that the Scottish Drugs Forum has in delivering services to people who use drugs. The Scottish Government has provided funding to the Scottish Drugs Forum for a number of projects since 2019, with each project having specific objectives. Below is an outline of each project and the objectives that have been set for these.

Sexual Health and Blood Bourne Virus Project Names and Objectives:

2018 – 2021

HEPATITIS SCOTLAND

To continue the work of Hepatitis Scotland in leading the voluntary sector response to viral hepatitis prevention, treatment and support, and ultimately reduce the harm caused by viral hepatitis in Scotland. The key work will focus on:

• Information-sharing with professionals, people affected by viral hepatitis and the general public.
• Strategic development and partnership working - fostering links with key stakeholders, including services working in drugs and sexual health and with vulnerable young people.
• Patient involvement and representation - exploring and representing the views of those affected by or at risk of viral hepatitis.

PEOPLE WHO INJECT DRUGS

A programme of work aimed at people who inject drugs (PWIDs) which will:

• Reduce bloodborne virus (BBV) infections, particularly HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies.
• Increase treatment uptake for BBVs and STIs.

Achieved through:

1. Ensuring views and opinions of PWIDs are effectively heard by policymakers and practitioners.

2. Ensure increase in knowledge and understanding of HIV and HCV treatment and prevention in PWIDs .

3. Improving and enhancing the skills of practitioners working with PWIDs.

4. Encourage new models of care and treatment based on best practice.

5. Develop responses/resources to reduce intersectional stigma.

SEXUAL HEALTH IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Year 1

Publish report on mixed methods research with people engaged in chemsex, people who use image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) and people involved in prostitution covering:

• Specific risks in terms of drug use and sexual health.
• Treatment needs.
• Specific information needs and how best to make this information available.
• What workers need to know in order to support these populations effectively.
• The report will inform current policy and be utilised to develop workforce development for support services in Scotland.

Year 2

• Design three training courses based on the findings of the research. Deliver six pilot training sessions.
• Adapt training following feedback.
• Deliver 25 training and learning development days for staff working with people engaged in chemsex, people who use IPEDs and people involved in prostitution.

Year 3

• Deliver 35 training and learning development days for staff working with people engaged in chemsex, people who use IPEDs and people involved in prostitution.
• Deliver capacity building event(s) to improve joint working and care pathways between key services.
• Raise awareness of the needs of the target populations to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships and Sexual Health and BBV Managed Care Networks.

VULNERABLE YOUNG PEOPLE

Ensuring that the work force is fully trained and equipped to support vulnerable young people in relation to BBVs and other sexually transmitted infections.

Year 1

• Undertake a training and learning development survey(and focus groups) of staff working with vulnerable young people in relation to BBVs, sexual and reproductive health and harm reduction.
• Deliver 35 training and learning development days for staff working with vulnerable young people, including a brief evaluation questionnaire.
• Develop e-learning training specifically aimed at staff working with vulnerable young people on BBVs, S&RH and harm reduction.

Years 2 and 3

• Undertake a national event/conference exploring current and future service provision and staff capacity needs.
• Deliver 35 training and learning development days for staff working with vulnerable young people each year, including a brief evaluation questionnaire.
• Provide e-learning on BBVs, S&RH and harm reduction. (To be updated in year 3.)
• Repeat the staff survey to assess impact of work on staff knowledge and understanding.

Improving joint work between services for vulnerable young people and related services in particular sexual health services and services supporting young LGBT people.

• Undertake facilitated networking sessions between key staff- two each year.
• Create a care pathway and signposting document template which can be utilised by each health board/ADP area in conjunction with the SHBBV MCNs and Councils.
• Create a follow up and development work plan following these networking events to embed improved joint working and streamline care pathways.
• Raising awareness of the needs of vulnerable young people to Alcohol and Drug Partnerships and Managed Care Networks.
• Inputs/presentation to existing national forums of Alcohol and Drug Partnerships and Managed Care Networks – two per year.
• Input/presentations to individual ADPs/SHBBV MCNs - four per year.

RESPONSE TO INFECTIONS AMONG DRUG USERS

Objective 1: Improving the quality of interventions to drug users at risk of infection

• Continue to run 35 training sessions each year;
• Develop e-learning to support flexible and accessible training;
• Develop advanced bacterial infection and drug use course;
• Provide ongoing support following training;
• Develop a range of resources related to infection;
• Actively engage with pharmacy staff related to training needs.

Objective 2: Improving the preparedness of frontline services, user groups and SDF to respond to outbreaks of infection among drug users

• Support to Incident Management Team as required – agreement of key messages around practical responses and prevention, contact with, information, briefing and training users, voluntary sector and other frontline services;
• Develop range of resources for frontline staff in response to (or preparation for) potential future outbreak
• Develop other relevant training as necessary;
• Support communication strategy for outbreaks;
• Maintain a broad up-to-date database of key contacts and agencies;
• Contribution to the development of local Bacterial Infection protocols with local partners where appropriate.

Drugs Policy Project Names and Objectives:

2018-19

CORE GRANT

• To support and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of drug/alcohol treatment services.
• Workforce Development.
• Establish structures / networks to involve people with lived and living experience in treatment services.
• Develop responses to new and emerging trends and challenges.
• Develop effective approaches to education and prevention.

2019-20

CORE GRANT

• Support and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of drug/alcohol treatment services.
• Workforce development.
• Establish structures/networks to involve people with lived/living experience in treatment services.
• Develop responses to new / emerging trends and challenges (EG: IPED users / NPS).
• Develop effective approaches to Education / Prevention.

2020-21

CORE GRANT

• Support and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of drug/alcohol treatment services.
• Workforce development.
• Establish structures / networks to involve people with lived / living experience (including family members) in national / local policy development.
• Support peer-led grassroots recovery organisations across the country.
• Develop responses to new / emerging trends and challenges (e.g. IPED users / NPS).
• Develop effective approaches to prevention.

HARM REDUCTION TRAINING

• Assessment of injecting risk (AIR) training for frontline workers who work with people who inject drugs.
• Bespoke training for NHS resus training officers who will cascade to all GP practice staff.
• General harm reduction training for frontline workers on responding to poly substance use and overdose.

LOW THRESHOLD OST GUIDANCE PROPOSAL

• Define scope and membership.
• Outline ‘standards’ for minimum and optimal OST provision.
• Establish evidence base.
• Describe models of care to achieve standards and link these to the evidence base.
• Showcase successful models and consult on draft standards (e.g. through roadshow).
• Complete standards’ for minimum and optimal OST provision.
• Support teams to make the system changes needed through a QI approach.

HOW TO SAVE A LIFE CAMPAIGN

• To run a Naloxone media campaign.
• SDF will lead and manage this campaign devising and designing much of the content and commissioning creative, broadcasting and advertising partners. The campaign will be designed and delivered by a team of media campaign professionals and co-ordinated by SDF staff from Scottish Drugs Forum who will also contribute expertise on all drug related issues including naloxone, stigma and public perceptions of people with a drug problem.
• SDF will develop the webpage www.stopthedeaths.com to offer a new homepage to which people will be directed by all of the campaign materials.

2021-22

CORE GRANT

Scottish Drugs Forum will work with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) to support the delivery of the key objectives within the ADP and Homeless Programme: Reducing Harm, Improving Care (RHIC) to:

• Understand user experiences of people experiencing homelessness who require alcohol and drugs services.
• Identify the enablers and barriers to accessing alcohol and drugs and homelessness services.
• Identify user needs for an integrated model of care.

PROVIDING SUPPORT TO ORGANISATIONS APPLYING TO THE COMMUNITY FUND THROUGH CORRA (2021-22 – 2025-26)

• Funding for two positions to provide support to organisations applying to the Community Fund through Corra.
• Support grassroots and community organisations to develop and plan for sustainability beyond the life of the funds.

(Revised objectives 2023)

• Support organisations that are already funded through the programme to enhance their development and long-term sustainability - Provide a minimum of 20 organisations per year funded through the programme with intensive developmental and long-term sustainability support, enhancing capacity building within the sector.
• Work with external stakeholders to promote and link the work of funded organisations.
• Promote the programme and the support that National Drugs Mission funded projects can access widely and encourage engagement - Promote the programme to 100% of identified organisations and raise awareness of the support that organisations can access and encourage organisations to engage.
• Assist organisations in the development of funding proposals - Work with a minimum of 20 organisations per year assist in the development of funding proposals.

ENSURING THE VOICES OF PEOPLE WITH LIVING EXPERIENCE INFLUENCE SERVICE DEVELOPMENTS, SERVICE DELIVERY, POLICY AND STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT (2021-22 – 2025-26)

• Develop in partnership with others a lived and living experience panel.
• Develop and deliver a training programme to people with living experience across Scotland.
• Support and develop with partners, existing networks of people with living experience.
• Support and develop with partners new networks of people with living experience.
• Support and develop a national network from representatives of the local networks of people with living experience.
• Develop networks role in terms of informal drug trend information including the use of drug checking services (WEDINOS – Welsh Emerging Drugs and Identification of Novel Substances).
• Ensure that voices of people with living experience are represented within the Drug Death Taskforce and its Sub-groups and that this informs actions.
• Ensure that voices of people with living experience are heard within the wider sector – both at service and strategic levels, including government.
• Ensure that voices of people with living experience influence the wider public discourse through engagement with elected members and the media.
• Develop a plan for sustainable future for this work beyond the life of the Taskforce and the project.

(Revised objectives 2022)

• Engage and support developments with existing regional living experience engagement groups and establish further regional groups across Scotland.
• Support national group and regional LLE panel and stakeholder group activity.
• Conduct scoping work to identify potential areas for groups with local partners.
• Contribute to local and national drug trend monitoring including the use of drug checking services (WEDINOS – Welsh Emerging Drugs and Identification of Novel Substances).
• Development and provision of training across Scotland for living experience group attendees working with key partners.
• Develop capacity and sustainability of local groups.

2022-23

CORE GRANT

• Support and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of drug and alcohol treatment services.
• Develop effective approaches to education and prevention.
• Support and develop the workforce to address the challenges related to substance use.
• Establish structures and networks to involve people with experience of treatment services.
• Support services to reduce morbidity among people who use drugs.

EXTENSION TO WAND HARM REDUCTION TRAINER POST

• Continuation and expansion of the Assessment of Injecting risk training for frontline workers who work with people who inject drugs including statutory and third sector services.
• Continuation and expansion of the harm reduction training package. This will be in line with the most common drugs involved with drug related deaths in Scotland, the training will focus on overdose prevention for opioids, benzodiazepines and cocaine/crack.
• Approach the local providers to offer training for trainers sessions on overdose intervention and naloxone administration, so that GP practices can include relevant information in their annual course to practice staff.

PEER TO PEER NALOXONE (2022-23-2025-26)

• Establish, embed and support high quality peer supply of naloxone as a core service across Scotland.
• Ensure those involved in peer initiatives have an active voice in the delivery of naloxone and other harm reduction interventions, including the sharing and promotion of good practice.
• Connect with and offer support to all peer naloxone projects across Scotland.

2023-24

CORE GRANT

• Support and improve the efficiency and effectiveness or drug and alcohol treatment services.
• Develop effective approaches to education and prevention.
• Support and develop the workforce to address the challenges related to substance use.
• Establish structures and networks to involve people with experience of treatment services.
• Support services to reduce morbidity and mortality among people who use drugs.

ADDICTION WORKER TRAINING PROGRAMME

• To expand the geographical reach and scale of the Addiction Worker Training Programme to include an additional 20 AWTP trainee placements per year.
• Participants will experience increased social capital, financial stability, confidence, and well-being.
• A programme of intensive support will be offered to participants to enable them to complete a 9-month programme of paid work placements, specialist training, and vocational learning – this includes a programme of group and individual inputs provided by SDF and partners agencies.
• Participants will complete an intensive programme of specialist training and eLearning, Quality Assured by Skills for Health.
• Participants will be supported to achieve the industry standard qualification – SVQ Level 2 in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 6. Trainees will have improved awareness and knowledge of current legislation, frameworks, and codes of practice and how they are applied in the workplace.
• Trainees will be provided with digital literacy support and equipment to engage in online activities – the digital skills of everyone engaging in the programme will be increased through participation.
  

The Heat in Buildings Bill consultation proposes that local authorities and the Scottish Ministers may be provided with powers to require buildings within a heat network zone to end their use of polluting heating systems (by a certain date, and with a minimum notice period). This proposal does not require a building to connect to a heat network, but connecting to a heat network would be a way to move to a clean heating system. During the consultation period - receiving feedback from stakeholders - and further development of these proposals, we expect that there may be related powers that may be necessary to ensure that these powers to require buildings within a heat network zone to end their use of polluting heating systems can be safely and robustly implemented. For example, Scottish Government may need to produce guidance relating to the information that would need to be provided to a local authority or the process by which buildings could be required to end their use of polluting heating systems. I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-24589 on 1 February 2024 which also provides our current position on the type of building that may be affected by these proposals.

The consultation also proposes that local authorities or the Scottish Ministers may be provided with powers to require developers to connect new buildings within Heat Network Zones to a heat network. The Building (Scotland) Amendment Regulations, 2023 have already introduced a new build heat standard which means that no new buildings constructed under a building warrant applied for from 1 April 2024 will be built with polluting (or direct emissions heating systems), like gas and oil boilers.

The consultation is also seeking views on a proposal to potentially require buildings with unused heat to provide this to a local heat network (where that would be cost-effective) – such a power could sit with the Scottish Government or local authorities, subject to certain guidance and safeguards.

All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

I am pleased to announce that the Islands Connectivity Plan Strategic Approach paper and the Vessel and Ports Plan were published today alongside a public consultation.

These documents and the consultation questions are available at the following link:

Islands Connectivity Plan | Transport Scotland

I would encourage islanders and all those with an interest in ferries and wider island transport connectivity to respond to the consultation which will run until 3 May 2024. This will be supported by a number of public events by Transport Scotland officials starting in late February.