Minutes: 19 December 2023

1. Decisions on taking business in private:

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

2. Healthcare in remote and rural areas:

The Committee took evidence from—

Dr Iain Kennedy, Chair, BMA Scotland;

Julie Mosgrove, Chair, Optometry Scotland;

Laura Wilson, Director for Scotland, Royal Pharmaceutical Society;

Mhairi Templeton, Society of British Dental Nurses.

Sandesh Gulhane declared an interest as a practising NHS GP and as a member of the BMA.

Emma Harper declared an interest as a former clinical educator for nurses in remote and rural areas.

Clare Haughey declared an interest as a registered mental health nurse and as holding a bank nurse contract with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

3. Scottish Football Association:

The Committee took evidence from—

Ian Maxwell, Chief Executive, Scottish Football Association.

Sandesh Gulhane declared an interest as a former club doctor for Queen's Park F.C.

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

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

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

The Committee further considered its approach to the inquiry.

The Committee agreed to reschedule planned informal online stakeholder engagement as part of the inquiry to early 2024. It also agreed to plan for an external visit as part of the inquiry in the spring of 2024.

6. Scottish Football Association (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 3.