Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-05371 on 10 January 2022. 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 refer the member to the answer to question S6W-05371 on 10 January 2022. 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 notes the updated National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on sapropterin published September 2021 following a resubmission by its manufacturer Biomarin. The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) previously considered sapropterin (Kuvan) in August 2018 and the medicine was not recommended for use in NHSScotland because the submitting company’s justification of the treatment’s cost in relation to its health benefits was not sufficient and in addition the company did not present a sufficiently robust clinical and economic analysis to gain acceptance by SMC. The submitting company (BioMarin) has not been in contact with SMC regarding a resubmission for this medicine.

The first generic version of sapropterin has received a Marketing Authorisation from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). To support ensuring best value for NHSScotland, NSS National Procurement will shortly be tendering for the future supply of sapropterin to NHS Scotland.

Given the launch of the first generic, we are currently considering how best to provide advice to Health Boards on whether sapropterin should be made available for routine use in NHSScotland, based on the latest available evidence.

Marine Scotland – Licensing Operations Team (“MS-LOT”) intends to publish the written report by Seagreen Wind Energy Limited in respect of unexploded ordnance clearance activities on its website (marine.gov.scot) once the internal review of the report is complete.

A number of measures are in place to ensure child witnesses are protected within our justice system. For example, the court can take extra steps, called 'special measures', to help children and young people under 18 give the best evidence they can. Children who are witnesses in criminal courts are automatically entitled to special measures including a screen in the courtroom; a TV link to somewhere outside the courtroom; and a supporter who can sit with the witness while they give evidence. Other measures are available on application to the court. Further information on the support available to witnesses can be found at Help and support - mygov.scot . All criminal justice cases with child witnesses are referred to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service Victim Information and Advice (VIA) service. VIA can provide information about the criminal justice system and key developments in the case affecting the witness, discuss any additional support that the witness may require to give evidence and help them make contact with appropriate support organisations.

In addition, from January 2020 Regulations have been in place to ensure that any child witness under the age of 18 giving evidence in the most serious criminal cases in the High Court, will be allowed to have it pre-recorded, sparing them the trauma of giving evidence during a trial, unless it is shown that this would significantly prejudice the interests of justice in the individual case. Last year, the Scottish Government also funded the commencement of the national roll out of a ground-breaking approach to interviews for vulnerable child victims and witnesses in criminal cases. The new Scottish Child Interview Model for Joint Investigative Interviews, conducted by highly trained police officers and social work staff, will deliver an interview process that secures the child’s best evidence at the earliest opportunity and minimises the risk of further traumatisation.

The focus of Scottish Government remains on pandemic response and supporting the NHS and its entire workforce through this challenging winter and beyond. The wellbeing of the entire workforce of the NHS is a key priority which is why, in the current financial year, the Scottish Government has made over £12 million available to support the wellbeing of the workforce.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care meets regularly with representatives from BMA Scotland, and other trade unions, to discuss and agree actions to support the entire NHS workforce. The next meeting between the Cabinet Secretary and the BMA will take place on 10th January. In addition there is a regular tripartite forum with Scottish Government, BMA and NHS employers which has a focus on all aspects of junior doctors working lives, and agrees and implements actions to improve these.

Through this group several important actions have been implemented including abolishing junior doctors working more than seven days in a row, and ensuring no junior doctors works for seven night shifts in a row.

We have agreed with BMA Scotland that we will work through this group to explore how we can implement the recommendations contained within the Junior Doctors - 48-hour Maximum Working Week (Without Averaging): Expert Working Group Report. This group will also consider the recommendations in the BMA report Supporting Junior Doctor Wellbeing – Now and for the Future .

Following the urgent roundtable meeting I chaired on 4 November, I met with partners and representatives from across the sector on 8 December. The key outcomes were a focus on training and prevention, with the Violence Reduction Unit supporting Police Scotland and Night Time Economy Partners to continue to roll out bystander training to raise awareness for staff to help keep people safe.

Police Scotland’s Strategic Gold Command continues to monitor the situation, and are working closely with third sector and partner organisations, looking into further protective and preventative measures to combat drink spiking, including a public awareness campaign focused on bystanders and perpetrators. We want people to report if they see something suspicious and to step in if they think someone may be at risk or see someone behaving suspiciously.

I would encourage anyone who believes they have had their drink spiked or been assaulted in this way to contact Police Scotland on 101 or in an emergency 999.

As you are aware, our NHS is currently facing the most difficult circumstances in its history due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This is exacerbated at present due to the potential risk posed by the Omicron variant to our healthcare system. This means Health Boards are having to make very difficult decisions about prioritising care, and I know this has an impact on everyone who is waiting for support for their health at this time.

We recognise that this includes people experiencing chronic pain, and that is why we are providing funding to enhance the capacity of pain management care through the Chronic Pain Winter Support Fund. We will shortly announce the outcome of this funding call. The projects we fund will boost the support available for people with chronic pain at the national and local level to help them maintain their health and wellbeing over the months ahead.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-05156 on 10 January 2022. 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 refer the member to the answer to question S6W-05035 on 3 December 2021. 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