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The Scottish Government is fully committed to a sustainable NHS which continues to deliver a consistently high quality healthcare service to the people of Scotland. NHS Scotland's staffing levels are at a record high, with 15,400 more whole time equivalent staff members working in our NHS under this Government.

We recognise the importance of continuing to work towards delivery of the principal workforce commitments set out in the Integrated Workforce Plan, though we are actively reviewing our overall approach, in light of the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on service delivery and capacity for training and workforce development. We have committed funding allocation for 2020-21 and an indicative funding allocation for 2021-22 to increase the number of places in (i) clinical psychology, (ii) the four-year clinical physiology BSc course, (iii) pharmacy pre-registration and (iv) reporting radiology. This is detailed in the following table:

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, the Scottish Government does not maintain and hold this information in the required format and therefore does not currently have plans to publish these details. This information is individually held by Boards and may be available upon direct request.

1. Studies into the properties of copper in reducing microbes on its antimicrobial surface are promising, and antimicrobial copper surfaces provide an example of a novel technology that may supplement standard cleaning practices and potentially further reduce the transmission of nosocomial pathogens . However, the use of antimicrobial copper cannot replace regular cleaning/ disinfection.

2. Health Protection Scotland published a literature review on Antimicrobial Copper Surfaces in July 2017, which is available here . The review concluded that antimicrobial copper surfaces could supplement standard cleaning practices and potentially further reduce the transmission of nosocomial pathogens. However, whilst there was evidence supporting the use of copper alloy environmental surfaces, it was typically of low to moderate quality, and there was insufficient evidence to support the use of copper oxide-impregnated composite environmental surfaces and textiles.

3. The use of copper and copper compounds on surfaces in patient vicinities might also introduce alternative electrical pathways, which would need risk assessed.

4. In terms of reducing nosocomial transmission of COVID-19 more generally, we have worked hard to ensure that Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in hospital and other care settings are robust. This includes environmental cleaning and disinfection, in addition to other measures such as the appropriate use of PPE, extended use of face masks and coverings, physical distancing and testing, as well as risk assessed patient care pathways to help guide the implementation of measures for safe and effective care.

To date, the Scottish Government has provided over £245 million of additional funding to support Health & Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs) in responding to additional COVID pressures in 2020-21. Details of the allocation by expenditure categories are set out in the following table:

The Scottish Government recognises the additional pressure that the pandemic and the resultant restrictions place upon individuals and families and is committed to providing clear, comprehensive and accessible support for mental health. We have invested significantly in support. This includes the provision of support to mitigate risks to health and wellbeing from the impact of isolation and loneliness.

The Scottish Government launched its Clear Your Head campaign in April 2020, alongside the NHS Inform website’s page on fostering positive wellbeing and reducing stress during the pandemic. These resources include signposting to support services and advice for individuals to maintain contact with family and friends while practising social distancing as appropriate. In addition, advice and support services were highlighted in a door drop leaflet issued to every household in Scotland.

Since the outbreak, the Scottish Government has invested over £6million in financial support to a range of mental health responses. These include:

• expanding NHS24’s Mental Health Hub to a 24/7 service;
• enhancing the Breathing Space helpline and developing and extending on-line and digital support services;
• rolling out the Distress Brief Intervention nation-wide; and
• extending digital therapies through computerised and internet-enabled Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

On the 8th of October we published Scotland’s Mental Health Transition and Recovery Plan which outlines the Scottish Government’s full response to the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are now working with key stakeholders to focus on the Plan’s implementation, and will put in place comprehensive governance.

In our initial response to the pandemic, our £350 million Supporting Communities Fund directly assisted organisations providing immediate support to people and communities. This funding supported many organisations to increase the capacity of helplines, many of which offer friendship as well as advice. This includes over £870,000 invested in Age Scotland, as well as support for Hourglass and Befriending Networks Scotland.

Everyone should consider taking a daily 10 microgram supplement of vitamin D to protect bone and muscle health, particularly during the winter months. It is specifically recommended that groups at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency take a daily supplement all year round. This includes pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children under 5, people who have low or no exposure to the sun, and people from minority ethnic groups with dark skin who require more sun exposure to make as much vitamin D.

Current advice on vitamin D is available at: www.gov.scot/publications/vitamin-d-advice-for-all-age-groups

Decisions on whether to prescribe vitamin D for people in care homes will be made on an individual basis taking account of residents’ needs. Where individuals are likely to benefit, it is recommended vitamin D should be prescribed.

Everyone on the shielding list has been offered a free four month supply of vitamin D from December 2020. Information outlining how to receive this offer has been sent to all those on the shielding list. Advice on the importance of vitamin D supplements has also been provided to those on the shielding list through Scottish Government websites and information updates attached to letters from the Chief Medical Officer.

As set out in the answer to question S5W-29950, the Scottish Government has provided a package of support to outdoor education centres impacted by the pandemic. We continue to be committed to supporting centres and we have been in regular contact with sector representatives since May 2020 to provide support during this challenging period.

Organisations whose activities include running outdoor centres have benefited from Scottish Government funding. Boys’ Brigade Scotland and Scouts Scotland both received £60,000 to support the outcomes of the Children, Young People and Families Early Intervention Fund and Adult Learning and Empowering Communities Fund (CYPFEI & ALEC Fund). The Boys’ Brigade and Scouts Scotland have also received approximately £30,000 of support through our Wellbeing Fund.

The £25m Third Sector Resilience Fund has also supported a wide range of third sector organisations, including:

• Scottish Outdoor Education Centres Limited - £98,465
• Adventure Centre for Education - £16,259
• Aerial Adventures, Livingston - £15,547
• Teen Ranch Scotland - £75,251

On 22 October 2020 the Scottish Government announced a new £2m fund to support residential outdoor education centres impacted by the pandemic.

The number of vaccines procured for five previous years is contained in the table:

The safety of all school users is of paramount importance to the Scottish Government.

Evidence suggests that adequate levels of ventilation can limit the spread of COVID-19. As winter approaches, we have issued updated guidance to local authorities that balances the need for ventilation in parts of the school estate with the requirement to maintain adequate temperatures. This has been published as part of the latest version of school reopening guidance.

The Scottish Government currently has no plans to make any changes to the contents of Scotland’s Baby Boxes. The Baby Box ensures that every family with a newborn has access to essential items needed in the first six months of a child’s life.

The Baby Box balances practical items, such as the clothing, changing mat, digital thermometer and bath & room thermometer, with items designed to have a positive impact on parent-child interaction such as books, a baby wrap and a play mat to support attachment, early learning and play.

We are continuing to monitor the feedback from families and health professionals and the latest research available. Both indicate very high levels of satisfaction with the Box and its contents. We have commissioned an independent evaluation of Scotland’s Baby Boxes and we expect the findings to be published on the Scottish Government’s website by spring 2021.

All new parents and families with young children have access to a health visitor or family nurse, who can provide them with any additional information or support they may require, either directly or through community based resources. These essential health services continued throughout the pandemic, prioritising early contacts in the health visiting pathway, along with maternity services.