International Thyroid Awareness Week

That the Parliament notes that 25 to 31 May 2019 is International Thyroid Awareness Week; considers this an important reminder of how common thyroid illness is, with a majority of people experiencing this debilitating condition being women; recognises that people with thyroid disease also have a higher risk of developing other medical problems, such as osteoporosis and heart disease, which increases costs to the NHS; notes that, as part of the awareness week, World Thyroid Day, which was marked on 25 May, highlighted the need to help children who are at risk of developing such conditions, which might be attributed to iodine deficiency or paediatric cancer; commends the organisations that work tirelessly to support people with thyroid illness; understands with concern that, despite poor levels of diagnosis in Scotland and across the UK, at least 1 in 20 people have thyroid conditions; believes that more quality research is required into alternatives to synthetic thyroxine, since more than 10% of patients do not do well on this hormone alone; agrees therefore that it is essential that they can access the best and most suitable treatment, including liothyronine, without having to purchase it privately, which could put them at risk, and believes that improvements must be made in research, testing, diagnosis and appropriate treatment for all those experiencing life threatening, debilitating and chronic thyroid conditions in Scotland and across the world.