Mary Scanlon

22 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-31271 by Malcolm Chisholm on 18 November 2002, what advice it is taking in formulating guidance to users of anticoagulation monitoring strips and when it expects to be able to make such guidance available.

Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: A multidisciplinary working group was convened in May 2002 to produce guidance for NHS prescribers prior to the addition of Coaguchek self testing strips to the Scottish Drug Tariff. The guidance is now available on www.show.scot.nhs.uk for NHS prescribers an…

21 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will ensure that travellers are provided with concise information on the Scottish Inter-collegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guideline 62, Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism.

Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: The SIGN Guideline highlights the causes of venous thromboembolism and the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the condition. The particular risk of occurrence during long air flights is well understood and publicised, including airlines'…

15 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any health risks associated with mercury amalgam fillings in teeth.

Answer · Mary Mulligan: The most recent scientific advice given to the UK Health Departments by the Committee of Toxicity of Chemicals in Foods, Consumer Products and the Environment, is that use of dental amalgam fillings is free from risk of systemic toxicity and that only a few c…

14 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what the level of cryptosporidium has to be for public health officials to recommend boiling water for consumption.

Answer · Ross Finnie: Following events in August the Minister for Health and Community Care asked Professor Ian Bouchier to reconvene the Expert Group of Cryptosporidium in Water Supplies to re-examine a range of issues including the point you raise. Professor Bouchier concluded t…

13 Nov 2002 · General Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether adequate alcohol detoxification services are in place.

Answer · Mary Mulligan: Home, community and residential alcohol detoxification services are available across Scotland. The Executive's <I>Plan for Action on alcohol problems</I>, which was published on 18 January, acknowledges the need to improve alcohol problems services and fill g…

12 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether there will be a national evaluation of drug education policy.

Answer · Cathy Jamieson: Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) is currently undertaking a thematic review to report in 2003 which will provide a snapshot of the quality of drug education programmes in schools. This will build on HMIE's earlier work, <I>Drug and Nutrition Edu…

11 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are sufficient cervical cytologists throughout all NHS board areas to implement fully the liquid-based cytology programme.

Answer · Mary Mulligan: At present cytoscreener staffing levels across Scotland are sufficient to meet the needs of the cervical screening programme. It is not anticipated that additional cervical screening laboratory professionals - above the agreed staffing levels - will be requir…

11 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether funding is in place to ensure the implementation of the liquid-based cytology programme throughout all NHS board areas in the current and future financial years.

Answer · Mary Mulligan: I refer the member to the answer to given to question S1W-31438 today. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at <A HREF="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/se…

11 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive when liquid-based cytology for cervical smears will be available throughout all NHS board areas.

Answer · Mary Mulligan: It is expected that liquid-based cytology (LBC) will be fully introduced into the cervical screening programme in Scotland by April 2004.<P>To assist with the introduction of LBC the Scottish Executive has provided up to £2.75 million for the set-up costs whi…

8 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether any assessment has been made of the responses given by Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service in answers to written parliamentary questions, in particular of whether such responses address the specific questions posed.

Answer · Jim Wallace: I am satisfied that the responses are fully in accordance with the <I>Scottish Executive Guidance on Parliamentary Questions</I>. The Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) responds to parliamentary questions about operational and contractual ma…

8 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28515 by Mr Jim Wallace on 4 November 2002, why the answer did not indicate what plans are in place to evaluate prisoners considered eligible for the Retox Programme prior to release and what any such plans are.

Answer · Jim Wallace: I have asked Tony Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service to respond. His response is as follows:<P>All prisoners who may be considered suitable for retoxification prior to release are afforded a comprehensive multi-disciplinary assessment whi…

8 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether the rationale for the methadone programme is (a) clinical effectiveness or (b) to achieve a reduction in crimes committed to fund drug habits.

Answer · Richard Simpson: I refer the member to the answer given to question S1W-18141 on 18 October 2001. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at:<P><A HREF="http://www.scottish.parliament…

8 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what the average waiting time is for a place on (a) drug and (b) alcohol rehabilitation programmes in each NHS board.

Answer · Richard Simpson: I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-27544 and S1W-27545 on 8 August 2002, which indicate that waiting time information for treatment for drug and alcohol problems is not held consistently by NHS trusts or boards. We are reviewing the data…

8 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how many places are available annually on programmes for (a) drug and (b) alcohol rehabilitation.

Answer · Richard Simpson: The information requested is not held centrally. However, Drug and Alcohol Action Teams should have some information about service provision at a local level, which would be helpful.

6 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether the incidence of different cancer types varies across Scotland.

Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: Incidence rates of most types of cancer vary between areas of Scotland and are due to differences in exposures to the main risk factors for cancers: tobacco use, alcohol consumption and diet. Occupational, environmental and genetic factors also contribute to …

5 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available anti-coagulation self-monitoring strips to help patients monitor and test clotting times and thereby regulate the correct dosage of warfarin.

Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: Yes. CoaguChek testing strips will be added to the Scottish Drug Tariff as soon as appropriate guidance for users has been finalised and issued to NHS prescribers and dispensing contractors.

4 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with the Department for Work and Pensions regarding the impact on the implementation of The same as you? of any specific areas of concern relating to benefits and support for people with learning disabilities and what the outcome was of any such discussions.

Answer · Frank McAveety: Scottish Executive officials have held initial discussions with officials in the Department for Work and Pensions on issues relating to benefits, and barriers to employment, for people with learning disabilities. On-going discussions aim to explore possible m…

4 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how many people with learning disabilities have a personal life plan as referred to in The same as you?.

Answer · Frank McAveety: The information requested is not held centrally.

4 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how long it will take to implement all 29 recommendations contained in The same as you?.

Answer · Frank McAveety: <I>The same as you?</I> does not set out a timescale for implementing each of the 29 recommendations, although the National Implementation Plan set out in Appendix 2 sets some target dates. We made it clear when <I>The same as you?</I> was launched in May 200…

4 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether the implementation group for The same as you? reports directly to the Minister for Health and Community Care and, if so, in what way and how frequently.

Answer · Frank McAveety: In accordance with its remit, The same as you? Implementation Group advises ministers on progress with implementation of the review's recommendations. Ministers for Health and Community Care receive regular written and oral reports from officials. I will also…

4 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what the remit is of the implementation group for The same as you?.

Answer · Frank McAveety: The remit of The same as you? Implementation Group is to: help to make all the recommendations of <I>The same as you? </I>happen; lead in planning and advising on the way forward; identify and recommend priorities for change, and advise ministers on how <I>Th…

1 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-28522 by Dr Richard Simpson on 21 October 2002, whether the information on the number of people that are prescribed methadone on a regular basis is now available.

Answer · Richard Simpson: I refer the member to the answer given to question S1O-5810 on 7 November 2002, which is available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at <A HREF="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/search.htm">http://www.scottish.parliament…

1 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it has taken to raise awareness of lung cancer symptoms to help people recognise the disease, given that people are 40 times more likely to survive when lung cancer is detected at an early stage.

Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: The association between smoking and lung cancer is well known; 90% of lung cancer patients are smokers or ex-smokers. The Scottish Executive published Smoking Cessation Guidelines in 2001 and £1 million is available annually for smoking cessation services and…

1 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether all asylum seekers are tested for tuberculosis.

Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: All asylum seekers entering Scotland have a health check on arrival which takes account of their physical and mental health needs. Those who are considered to be at risk of tuberculosis after the initial health assessment, by virtue of symptoms, history or an…

1 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to assess the physical and mental health of all asylum seekers as they enter Scotland.

Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: All asylum seekers entering Scotland have a health check on arrival which takes account of their physical and mental health needs. NHS Greater Glasgow, which has received the majority of asylum seekers, has established a dedicated mental health support liaiso…

1 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive how many unfilled vacancies currently exist in the NHS for (a) clinical psychologists and (b) psychiatrists in all disciplines.

Answer · Mary Mulligan: Information on the number of vacancies for clinical psychologists in NHSScotland is not centrally available. <P>The latest information on the number of unfilled vacancies in NHSScotland for consultant psychiatrists in all disciplines is contained in the follo…

1 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to encourage all local authorities to operate a direct payments scheme and what measures will be taken if a local authority refuses to participate in a scheme.

Answer · Frank McAveety: I refer the member to the answers given to questions S1W-30644 and S1W-30645 on 31 October 2002. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: <P><A HREF="http://www.sc…

1 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive whether hexafluorosilicic acid and disodium fluorosilicate have been toxicologically tested to a degree that would ensure their safety.

Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: The York Review (<A HREF="http://www0.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/summary.pdf">http://www0.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/summary.pdf</A>) considered all relevant and robust research on fluoridation and concluded that water fluoridation reduces levels of decay and that, apart f…

1 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive what measures are in place to remove thimerosal from childhood vaccines.

Answer · Malcolm Chisholm: The regulation and safety of medicines is reserved and is the responsibility of the Medicines Control Agency.<P>European and American regulatory authorities have recommended that vaccine manufacturers should phase out their use of thiomersal wherever possible…

1 Nov 2002 · Written Question

To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-30228 by Malcolm Chisholm on 17 October 2002, whether the Medical Research Council research projects into autism or the steering group on autism will take evidence from people with autism, their parents, advocates of adults with autism or recognised …

Answer · Frank McAveety: The steering group on autism will guide the implementation of a strategy for research in line with the recommendations of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Autism Review. A key element of this review was the dialogue with stakeholders, including consumers. T…