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The anticipated level of demand was expected to be around 10% of those invited to participate. This is in line with on-line surveys of a similar nature.

Life Begins at 40 had a national launch in February 2011.

The Scottish Government agrees annually a local delivery plan (LDP) with NHS 24. This sets out the key performance targets for that year and performance against these is reported externally, for example within the published NHS 24 board papers. Where they apply to NHS 24, the LDP includes national NHS HEAT targets. These LDP targets are not the only indictors of the performance of NHS 24, they also report publically on a range of service indicators. These can be found within the published NHS 24 board papers. The NHS 24 LDP for 2010/11 and can be found at:

http://www.nhs24.com/content/default.asp?page=s21_57.

As with all NHS boards, NHS 24 is subject to a public annual review, which includes the publication of a self assessment document. NHS 24 also publish an annual report and accounts. All of these documents can be found on their website.

Finally, ministers and officials across the Health Directorates and wider Scottish Government are in regular contact with NHS 24 on a range of strategic, policy and service matters and the Scottish Government receives frequent management reporting information from NHS 24 about a range of services.

However, in an agreement reached in partnership with their trade unions, the Scottish Ambulance Service offer frontline operational staff the opportunity to make themselves available during their scheduled break. Staff who to choose to do so receive an annual payment as well as an additional payment each time they are called upon during their break.

It is the responsibility of the Scottish Ambulance Service to maintain operational cover and ensure continuity of service delivery to patients, while at the same time ensuring the wellbeing of staff.

The publication of Food in Hospitals “ A National Catering and Nutrition Specification for Food and Fluid in Scottish Hospitals.

Development of a monitoring tool to be used by NHS boards to ensure

compliance with the Specification, incorporating the patient experience.

Publication of a Practice Development Programme and Toolkit.

Development of an Educational Framework, a web-based resource.

Funding of Nutrition Champions in each NHS board

Software which provides a database of standard recipes which have been nutritionally analysed

In recognition of the importance of nutrition for in particular, vulnerable patients, senior charge nurses play a key role in ensuring these patients, who may need assistance with eating and drinking, are given care and support to improve and maintain their nutrition where appropriate. Protected meal times ensure that patients are not interrupted unnecessarily and also allow nursing staff more time to spend with patients who need assistance to eat and drink. This work links directly with the development of Clinical Quality Indicators one of which is for food, fluid and nutrition, currently being implemented across NHS Scotland.

The Chronic Pain Steering Group is considering  a range of issues as part of its work programme which includes the needs of children and young people with chronic pain.