Questions and answers

Question reference: S6W-06181

Asked by: Siobhian Brown, MSP for Ayr, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 03 February 2022
Current Status: Answered by Maree Todd on 28 February 2022

To ask the Scottish Government how much funding has been allocated to improve patient transport in NHS Ayrshire and Arran in (a) 2021-22 and (b) 2022-23; whether support is available for local charities that provide transport services for cancer patients, and, if so, how such charities can access available funding.

Question reference: S6W-06201

Asked by: Siobhian Brown, MSP for Ayr, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Friday, 04 February 2022
Current Status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 22 February 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what work it is doing with NHS boards to ensure that NHS equipment can be recycled and reused, in light of reports that when some equipment, such as walking frames, are given to patients, there is often no option to return them to be reused.

Question reference: S6W-06178

Asked by: Siobhian Brown, MSP for Ayr, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Friday, 04 February 2022
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 21 February 2022

To ask the Scottish Government whether full face masks are being used as an alternative for people who may experience anxiety with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks whilst in HDU and ICU with COVID-19.

The current guidance can be found on the Central Alerting System (CAS). In the largest clinical trial (RECOVERY RS) CPAP reduced the risk of death or intubation (need to go on a ventilator). CPAP can be delivered via a tight fitting facemask, helmet or hood. Smaller clinical trials of helmet/hood CPAP have suggested that it may have equivalent benefit to facemask CPAP but more data analysis is planned. High flow nasal oxygen is a form of non-invasive respiratory support which can be used to facilitate breaks from CPAP and is better tolerated (more comfortable) than CPAP, but doesn’t improve outcome on its own. Whether facemasks, helmets or hoods are used in clinical practice is a decision left to individual boards and units, however they can be ordered if needed and many boards stock them routinely.

Question reference: S6W-06179

Asked by: Siobhian Brown, MSP for Ayr, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 03 February 2022
Current Status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 21 February 2022

To ask the Scottish Government when it anticipates that the report on the consultation, Scottish Building Regulations: Proposed changes to Energy Standards and associated topics, will be published, and whether it will provide details of what the alternative options for new builds will be if Passivhaus standard is not being considered.

Question reference: S6W-06180

Asked by: Siobhian Brown, MSP for Ayr, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 03 February 2022
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 21 February 2022

To ask the Scottish Government when arthroscopic procedures will recommence.

As Covid-19 case numbers fall, the Scottish Government is fully focused on supporting the remobilisation of orthopaedic services impacted by the challenges of the pandemic. We understand how difficult it is for those waiting for treatment. Orthopaedic services are recommencing, with NHS Boards undertaking clinically-prioritised urgent cases at present.

The National Treatment Centre Programme, which represents an investment of over £400 million in a network of new, elective and diagnostic treatment centres, will add extra capacity for hip and knee replacements across Scotland and support the recovery and resilience of orthopaedic services in the future.

Question reference: S6O-00746

Asked by: Siobhian Brown, MSP for Ayr, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 02 February 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 10 February 2022

To ask the Scottish Government how it is building on Scotland's relations with the EU post-Brexit.

Question reference: S6O-00664

Asked by: Siobhian Brown, MSP for Ayr, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 19 January 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 26 January 2022

To ask the Scottish Government how it is working with Police Scotland to tackle the reported increase in cases of cyber crime and extortion.

Question reference: S6O-00653

Asked by: Siobhian Brown, MSP for Ayr, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 12 January 2022
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 20 January 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to take forward the recommendations in the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission's Report on the use of rodent glue traps in Scotland, including the recommendation to ban such traps.

Question reference: S6W-05020

Asked by: Siobhian Brown, MSP for Ayr, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 23 December 2021
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 5 January 2022

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the contract for Valneva COVID-19 vaccines should be reinstated and what representations it can make to the UK Government in this regard, in light of reports that a number of experts, including a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation, have expressed support for the Valneva vaccine as possibly an effective defence against the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

COVID vaccines are procured by the UK Government on a four nations basis, and the cancellation of the contract with Valneva is a matter for the UK Government. Valneva is a valued contributor to our life sciences sector and the Livingston facility is an important asset, developing vaccines for the treatment of many infectious diseases and supporting high quality jobs. This includes their COVID-19 vaccine, and I welcome the positive results Valneva has reported from clinical trials. I met with Valneva last week to hear more about their COVID-19 vaccine and the impressive work underway at their Livingston facility. Ministers and Scottish Enterprise are in advanced discussions with the company to agree a package of support which would underpin the company’s operations in Scotland.

The Scottish Government will continue to be guided by the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations in deploying vaccines in the face of Omicron. In line with the JCVI’s advice, the best defence against the virus is for everyone who is eligible for a booster to come forward now, alongside following the Scottish Government’s guidance on testing, face coverings and restrictions.

Question reference: S6W-05337

Asked by: Siobhian Brown, MSP for Ayr, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Monday, 20 December 2021
Current Status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Kate Forbes on 21 December 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for the future of Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport continues to develop as a specialist airport, carving a niche in a very competitive aviation market. The challenge facing the aviation sector because of the Covid pandemic is a global one and, like all airports, Prestwick is adapting to that challenge. The Scottish Government is laying the annual report and accounts today in Parliament which show that the business continues in a positive direction with a profit posted for 2020-21.

In the current year, the team at Glasgow Prestwick Airport were heavily involved in supporting COP26, providing a professional and flexible service to its customers during this major event. Glasgow Prestwick Airport continues to provide essential services for the importation of cargo, including supplies for the NHS, as well as continuing to develop all other revenue streams in the business. Staff at the airport have played and continue to play a key role in the success of such activities and that is valued and recognised.

Scottish Ministers’ still intend for Prestwick Airport to return to the private sector at the appropriate time and opportunity. Having carefully considered bids received under a recent sales process, I can advise that Ministers have decided to not proceed with a sale at this time.

The Scottish Government remains supportive of the business. The airport has recently made several new appointments to the operating Board, including a new Non-Executive Chair. With a refreshed board and management in place, the Scottish Government is confident the business will continue to develop its strategy for growth.

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