Minutes: 28 November 2023

1. Decisions on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 4, 5 and 6 in private.

2. Healthcare in remote and rural areas:

The Committee took evidence from—

Dr Stephen Makin, Senior Clinical Lecturer, University of Aberdeen, and Honorary Consultant Geriatrician, NHS Highland;

Professor Annetta Smith, Professor Emerita, and Dr Rebecah MacGilleEathain, Research Fellow, Division of Rural Health and Wellbeing, University of the Highlands and Islands.

Sandesh Gulhane declared an interest as a practising NHS GP.

Emma Harper declared an interest as a registered general nurse.

3. Subordinate legislation:

The Committee considered the following negative instruments—

Food (Scotland) Act 2015 (Compliance Notices) Amendment Regulations 2023

Feed Additives (Authorisations) (Scotland) Regulations 2023

The Committee agreed to make no recommendations in relation to the instruments.

4. Healthcare in remote and rural areas (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2.

5. Perinatal mental health (in private):

The Committee considered and agreed a draft letter to the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport.

6. Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee further considered its approach to the scrutiny of the Bill at Stage 1.

The Committee agreed its plan for informal engagement on the Bill.

Gillian Mackay did not participate in this item by virtue of Rule 9.13A.2(b). Ross Greer attended in her place by virtue of Rule 12.2A.2.