Questions and answers

Question reference: S5W-21570

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Friday, 08 February 2019
Current Status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 21 February 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve life expectancy rates, in light of the finding in the Scottish Public Health Observatory report, Recent adverse mortality trends in Scotland: comparison with other high-income countries, that Scotland has (a) seen the slowest growth in life expectancy in decades and (b) the worst life expectancy for all UK countries.

Over the long term life expectancy and healthy life expectancy have increased. However, it is difficult to pinpoint the cause of changing trends. The issues are complex and relate to an ageing population, inequalities, deprivation and poverty.

We remain focused on addressing the underlying causes that drive health inequalities. Our alcohol prevention framework and our diet and healthy weight strategy are among the measures designed to help tackle some of the key issues.

Question reference: S5W-21574

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Friday, 08 February 2019
Current Status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 21 February 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to address the rise in death rates, in light of the findings in the Scottish Public Health Observatory report, Socioeconomic inequality in recent adverse mortality trends in Scotland.

Over the long term life expectancy and healthy life expectancy have increased. However, it is difficult to pinpoint the cause of changing trends. The issues are complex and relate to an ageing population, inequalities, deprivation and poverty.

We remain focused on addressing the underlying causes that drive health inequalities. Our alcohol prevention framework and our diet and healthy weight strategy are among the measures designed to help tackle some of the key issues.

Question reference: S5W-21413

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 05 February 2019
Current Status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 21 February 2019

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-18206 by Christina McKelvie on 10 September 2018, whether it will provide an update on the appointment of a new Independent Race Equality Adviser.

Question reference: S5W-21393

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 04 February 2019
Current Status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 21 February 2019

To ask the Scottish Government how many times in each of the last five years each NHS board has (a) been subject to and (b) lost legal action because an error was made when informing parents of the sex of an unborn baby, also broken down by the (i) cost of legal action and (ii) amount of compensation awarded.

We are not aware of any cases where Boards have been subject to legal action regarding informing parents of the sex of their baby at ultrasound. Gender scans are not carried out by the NHS as there is generally no clinical reason to find out the sex of the baby. However, on some occasions it may be possible to give an indication of what the sex is and it is for Boards to decide whether to have a local policy on sharing this information. Any Boards that give this information will indicate to parents that the scan in not a conclusive test and may not be accurate.

Question reference: S5W-21392

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 04 February 2019
Current Status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 21 February 2019

To ask the Scottish Government which NHS boards do not inform parents of the sex of unborn babies because of concerns that they might be subject to legal action if an error is made, and what its position is on this approach.

The main purposes of ultrasound scans are to date pregnancy, chart the growth of the baby and provide antenatal screenings. Then at the more detailed scan at 20 weeks, to assess for any possible health problems. Gender scans are not carried out by the NHS as there is usually no clinical reason to find out the sex of the baby. At some scans the sonographer may be able to identify the sex of the baby, it is entirely at the Health Boards’ discretion whether they give out this information. We do not collect data on which Boards provide this information. There are no plans to change this policy at this time.

Question reference: S5W-21525

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 07 February 2019
Current Status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 20 February 2019

To ask the Scottish Government, further to its news release of 17 August 2018, 9% pay rise for NHS workers, by what date it will publish the details of the proposed changes to the terms and conditions of the "Agenda for Change" staff.

Question reference: S5W-21450

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 05 February 2019
Current Status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 19 February 2019

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-20933 by Jeane Freeman on 4 February 2019, whether it will provide the same information for the (a) Edinburgh and (b) Aberdeen endometriosis centre.

Question reference: S5W-21452

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 05 February 2019
Current Status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 19 February 2019

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-21123 by Jeane Freeman on 4 February 2019, whether it will provide the same information for the (a) Edinburgh and (b) Aberdeen endometriosis centre.

Question reference: S5W-21451

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Tuesday, 05 February 2019
Current Status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 19 February 2019

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-20934 by Jeane Freeman on 4 February 2019, whether it will provide the same information for the (a) Edinburgh and (b) Aberdeen endometriosis centre.

Question reference: S5T-01494

Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Monday, 18 February 2019
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 19 February 2019

To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that school menus in around three quarters of council areas include processed meats containing nitrites.

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