Seòmar agus comataidhean

I am going to pick up a little bit on that, because my question is about operational issues and some of the concerns that have been raised by stakeholders, particularly around about technology and mobile phone policy. I accept that we already have very well-established CAMHS services across Scotland, which will more than likely already have well-established policies on things such as mobile phones and iPads. Can the minister tell us what on-going discussions have been taking place with stakeholders in regard to that? I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests as a registered mental health nurse.

I thank the minister and her officials.

We now move to agenda item 5, which is the formal debate on the affirmative instrument on which we have just taken evidence. I remind the committee that members should not put questions to the minister during the formal debate and that officials may not speak in the debate.

That is noted, Mr Gulhane. I suggest that the committee write to the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care asking him to answer the questions that you have raised. Would you be content with that?

I have not had an indication that any other member wishes to speak. I therefore propose that the committee make no recommendations, but that we write to the cabinet secretary, in relation to the instrument. Does any member disagree with that?

Members: No.

Thank you for that overview. We move to questions from committee members, starting with Ivan McKee.

Ivan McKee has a question. Is it on this theme?

Your point is noted, Mr Dodds.

That concludes consideration of the instrument.

The next item on our agenda is consideration of a negative instrument. The purpose of the instrument is to amend the National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) (Scotland) Regulations 2018 and the National Health Service (Primary Medical Services Section 17C Agreements) (Scotland) Regulations 2018 to enable prisoners to apply to register with a GP prior to their release from a custodial setting.

The policy note states that the current regulations

“enable GPs to refuse an application to join a practice from a prospective patient if that patient does not live in the GP practice area. The effect of this for prisoners means that they are unable to register with a GP until after their release from custody, which can present delays to registration and access to healthcare.”

The policy note further states:

“allowing prisoners to apply to register with a GP in the community prior to their release safeguards continuity of care during the early stages of their rehabilitation.”

The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee considered the instrument at its meeting on 24 October 2023 and made no recommendations in relation to it, and no motion to annul has been lodged in relation to it.

I ask members for comments.

Thank you very much, minister. We will now move to questions, starting with Ivan McKee.