Seòmar agus comataidhean

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-06018 on 19 January 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

As set out in Section seven of the Health and Medicines Act 1988, Health boards are permitted to generate income provided it does not significantly interfere with the provision of NHS services. This includes income generated through advertising. The Scottish Government believes the Act to be appropriate, and expects advertising to be discreet and respectful towards patients. Guidance on the issue is set out in NHS MEL (2000) 13, and associated documents, available at: http://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/details.asp?PublicationID=167.

The Scottish Government and BMA agree that a new GP contract should free up GP time to focus on those elements of medical care that really require GP involvement – including complex care for people with mental health problems and co-morbidities including mental ill health.

We are working with a range of partners to make sure people reach the most appropriate professional to meet their health care – and wider support – needs. For people in debt crisis with mental health problems, the most appropriate support may come from practice based mental health professionals, Occupational Therapists or support workers like Links Workers. The Scottish Government is committed to recruiting at least 250 Community Links Workers to work in GP surgeries and direct people to local services and support.

A meeting took place on place on 8 December 2016 between Ms Watt, Minister for Mental Health and voluntary sector representatives to discuss the inclusion of the Debt and Mental Health Evidence Form in the prescribed list of forms in the GP contract. It was agreed that a charity representative would open dialogue with credit agencies towards enabling completion of forms by health professionals rather than restricting to GPs.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-06018 on 19 January 2017. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally; it is a matter for Health boards.

Transport Scotland is continuing with work to identify required improvements to the A720, including giving consideration to how any potential increase in capacity would impact on the operation of the route. This work is currently underway.

I refer the member to the answer provided for S5W-05240 on 13 December 2016 for further information. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx

The information sought is not held centrally by the Scottish Government; it is a matter for individual Health boards.

The information sought is not held centrally by the Scottish Government.

The information sought is not held centrally by the Scottish Government; it is a matter for individual Health boards.

NHSScotland provides comprehensive orthoptic, or orthoptic-led, pre-school vision screening at four-five years as recommended in Health for all children 4: Guidance on Implementation in Scotland.

In addition in Scotland, children are entitled to a free NHS eye examination annually, which provides a full eye health assessment tailored to meet the needs of the patient. Children are also entitled to optical vouchers to help with the cost of glasses.