Question reference: S6W-12860
- Date lodged: 6 December 2022
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Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 19 December 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports of a scarlet fever outbreak on MS Ambition, how it will ensure that young people and their families are given adequate mental health support to deal with the challenges of becoming infectious whilst living in temporary accommodation as refugees.
Answer
The health and wellbeing of displaced people from Ukraine is our priority.
There has been no outbreak of Strep A on the M/S Ambition, with infections having been restricted to isolated cases.
On the M/S Ambition, should quarantine measures be required, there is a section of the ship that is set aside for quarantine procedures, with specific cabins set aside. Where this has been required, those quarantined were visited daily by ship medical staff, and meals and snacks were delivered to the cabin.
The Scottish Government is working with partners to deliver relevant public health messaging in relation to Strep A, to ensure everyone in Scotland has the most up-to-date advice.
The Scottish Government Mental Health directorate worked closely with our partners such as Heads of Psychology Scotland, NHS Scotland, COSLA, the Scottish Refugee Council, amongst others, to develop and then publish wellbeing packs for displaced people from Ukraine arriving in Scotland. There was a specific pack full of helpful resources and guidance for displaced people from Ukraine on physiological wellbeing – Ukraine psychological wellbeing advice pack: guidance for Ukrainian arrivals - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) . This pack is available online and therefore accessible when using the internet on passenger ships. The pack also highlights specific resources for children and families.
We have amended legislation so there will be no charge for NHS Scotland services for people who have fled Ukraine, including mental health services.
Anyone in Scotland, regardless of their nationality, residence status or length of time they will be in the country, is already entitled to receive emergency treatment at an A&E or casualty department, and can register with a GP Practice to receive general medical services, at no charge.