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Scheme valuations establish the level of contributions needed to meet the pension commitments for the NHS workforce. These valuations are currently suspended at the direction of HM Treasury.

The employer contribution rate for the NHS pension scheme in Scotland was set at 13.5% based upon the last actuarial investigation report, published by the Government Actuary Department (GAD) in July 2008. This report was based upon data, methodology and assumptions set specifically for the Scottish NHS workforce and a separate similar process is conducted for the England & Wales NHS pension scheme.

The Scottish Government has estimated that the annual cost would be approximately £21 million.

Medical Revalidation is overseen by the General Medical Council (GMC), with commencement of the regulatory aspects reserved to the Secretary of State for Health. The Scottish Government has worked in partnership with a range of stakeholders to ensure Scotland’s health boards are ready to meet their obligations, and have put in place guidance and appropriate governance structures for the commencement of revalidation from December 2012. The Scottish Government has agreed a roll out plan with the GMC and will continue to work with partners and provide appropriate support to develop and modify guidance and products necessary to satisfy the GMC’s requirements for revalidation during the implementation period.

The draft guidance outlines proposals for first tier of review within Local Authorities, and some of the options being considered for second tier reviews.

Recommendations on whether to screen for a particular condition or disease are made at a UK level, by the UK National Screening Committee. Before making a recommendation, the UK National Screening Committee reviews evidence against a set of criteria, including cost effectiveness criteria.

The most recent review of evidence for diabetes in 2006 found that existing
cost-effectiveness modelling was not conclusive on whether screening should be undertaken, or on which sub-groups of the population could potentially benefit from screening. Further information on this review can be found at: http://www.screening.nhs.uk/diabetes. In light of the review findings, the UK National Screening Committee recommended that general population screening for diabetes should not be offered. This recommendation is due to be reviewed shortly.

We hold regular discussions with the UK Government at Ministerial and official level on welfare matters. There have been no discussions with the Department for Work and Pensions in relation to how many adults are claiming Employment and Support Allowance in Scotland as a result of rheumatoid arthritis.

The information requested is not available centrally. Information is only available on the number of referrals from all sources.

There are currently no plans for Scottish Government to publish the data underpinning Healthcare Improvement Scotlands’ update report on Scottish Pain Management Services.

The Scottish Service Model for Chronic Pain has a strong focus on improving the care and management of chronic pain in primary care settings. The model aims to improve awareness and education for people living with chronic pain and healthcare professionals to ensure people receive safe and effective treatment and that their medication is appropriately managed. Another key part of the model is providing people with the necessary information and advice to support self management techniques.

The National Chronic Pain Steering Group continue to make steady progress in taking forward their extensive work plan and are working with NHS Boards to provide support in implementing the service model.

A further key way of improving treatment and care is through the implementation of clinical guidelines. Healthcare Improvement Scotland is contributing to the development of a Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline on non malignant chronic pain. The guideline is expected to be published in 2014 and will aim to improve patient management in both primary and secondary care.