Seòmar agus comataidhean

Official statistics covering applications and processing times for Adult Disability Payment are published as a part of the regularly scheduled quarterly publication.

The latest Adult Disability Payment statistical publication was published on Tuesday 14 March 2023. Information on the number of applications made by month is included in table 1 and information on the average processing time by month is included in table 9.

This publication is available from:

https://www.gov.scot/collections/social-security-scotland-stats-publications/#benefitsforcarersanddisabilityassistance .

Processing times for Adult Disability Payment applications have increased since the national launch of the benefit and were at an average of 79 working days in January 2023. However, as a result of some improvements to processes, and the increasing experience and confidence of staff, Social Security Scotland is now making a higher volume of decisions on Adult Disability Payment each week, and we expect this to noticeably improve processing times.

The Scottish Government has not had discussions with NHS Golden Jubilee regarding the use of the hotel to generate income. The Scottish Government does not hold information on the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel centrally. We advise the member to contact NHS Golden Jubilee directly.

The supply of medicines is a reserved matter for the UK Government. Scottish Government officials are regularly updated on any supply disruptions which may arise and will provide advice to the NHS in Scotland on options to address any shortages that may arise, including the use of alternative products if clinically appropriate.

At present, there are some endometriosis medicines that are unavailable. Alternatives remain available and clinicians are advised to prescribe these alternatives until supplies stabilise.

We are developing a new 10 year cancer strategy that will launch in Spring 2023 and takes a comprehensive approach to improving patient pathways from prevention and diagnosis through to treatment and post-treatment care. We are considering the specific needs of blood cancer patients.

We plan to publish a new cancer strategy in Spring 2023.

We are considering how to address access to medicines for the treatment of some cancers in the draft new cancer strategy and action plan. Safe, realistic and effective treatment is one of our key ambitions.

Scottish Government has had no communication with the MHRA regarding medication supply issues. The supply of medicines is a reserved matter for the UK Government. Scottish Government officials are regularly updated on any supply disruptions which may arise and will provide advice to the NHS in Scotland on options to address any shortages that may arise.

Scottish Government has had no communications with Boots or Alliance Healthcare regarding this matter or has any oversight of the commercial arrangements.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-15497 on 16 March 2023. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers