Seòmar agus comataidhean

In light of the meeting with Minister for Patient Safety and Primary Care, Maria Caulfield, having been held in February, could we write to the cabinet secretary to ask him for an update on how that went? Can we also ask when commercial discussions about the supply of the products to trials are likely to conclude; whether the trials will include patients, including children, with severe epileptic conditions and whether patients in Scotland will be recruited for the trials? Can we also ask for further information on the timescales for trials and how they can be expedited, and, depending on the outcome of the trials, the timescales for achieving authorisation?

Given that the Scottish Government has no plans to introduce new legislation and thinks that there is sufficient legislation to deal with vandalism and desecration of war memorials, I suggest that we close the petition under rule 15.7 of standing orders.

From a health practitioner perspective, what are the advantages and disadvantages of remotely delivered health and care services? To what extent do remotely delivered consultations and services ease pressures on GPs and GP surgeries? I put that to Dr Perry.

How can we improve online triage systems, so that not only patients but health practitioners are confident in using them?

How can the workings between patients and receptionists be improved? All four receptionists in a practice in my constituency have resigned because of a lack of support from GPs and the level of abuse from the public; the practice will have no receptionists by the end of the month. How can we support receptionists and how can we improve the patients’ interactions with them?

Thank you, convener. To what extent are primary health care practitioners other than GPs able to promote prevention and self-management? Is a greater focus needed on prevention? Perhaps we can hear from Clare Morrison first.

Good morning to the panel members. Does the primary care system enable a holistic and preventive approach to keeping people well?

To what extent do the public recognise the increasingly complex role of GP receptionists?

I can say, as somebody who does a lot of litter picks, that plastic bottles are probably the most common thing that we pick up from trees and bushes around Kirkcaldy and the surrounding areas. They are really bad for the environment, so I am extremely glad that you have brought your petition to the committee.

I am so impressed by what you have done, especially given your age. Usually, boys your age are looking to get money from tooth fairies and things like that, rather than bringing petitions to the Parliament, so well done—you have done really well.

Your submission says that you are looking for protection for historic native woodlands larger than 0.5 hectares. Is there a lack of the data and information that would help you to achieve that? How would that help the Scottish Government or any other authority to take care of woods?