Minutes: 29 October 2024

1. Declaration of interests:

Brian Whittle was invited to declare any relevant interests, and declared that his daughter is an NHS healthcare professional.

2. Decisions on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 in private.

3. Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People:

The Committee took evidence from—

Professor Sir Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer, Professor Graham Ellis, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, and Professor Alison Strath, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Scottish Government.

Sandesh Gulhane declared an interest as a practising NHS GP.

Gordon MacDonald declared an interest as his wife is a district nurse with NHS Lothian.

Emma Harper declared an interest as a former NHS Scotland and NHS England employee and as a registered nurse.

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

4. Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People (in private):

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

5. National Performance Framework: Proposed National Outcomes (in private):

The Committee considered a draft report. One change was agreed to, and the Committee agreed to consider an updated draft via correspondence.

6. Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee considered its approach to the scrutiny of the Bill at Stage 1, and agreed to issue a call for written views on the Bill.

7. Regulatory alignment with EU law (in private):

The Committee considered the third report on the EU law tracker. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government to seek an update on alignment with EU legislation on Blood, Tissues and Cells Regulation.

8. Framework legislation and Henry VIII powers (in private):

The Committee considered and agreed a letter to the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee in response to that Committee’s call for views.

9. Work programme (in private):

The Committee considered its future work programme, and agreed to consider further at its next meeting.