Chamber and committees

Current JCVIadvice does not cover vaccination in those under 18 years old, so far only 16 and 17 years olds in groups 1-9 are covered.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises that only those children at very high risk of exposure and serious outcomes, such as older children with severe neuro-disabilities that require residential care, should be offered vaccination with either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the AstraZeneca vaccine. We will continue to review our approach in line with JCVI advice.

Clinical trials are currently underway for vaccination of children and young people.

We will continue to engage with vaccine developers, and the JCVI so that if trials are successful we are ready to vaccinate younger age groups, if that is what the clinical and scientific evidence supports.

Under the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020, as amended - close contact services, including Complementary and Alternative Medicine Services (CAMS) - which includes acupuncture - generally must not operate in Level 4 areas at this time.

The only close contact services which may operate in Level 4 areas at this time are sports massage provided to professional sportspersons, osteopathy and chiropractic services, and “other services or procedures which require physical contact or close physical proximity between a provider and a customer” and are “ancillary to medical, health, or social care services”. Close contact services (excluding mobile close contact service) may operate in Level 3 areas. Mobile close contact services may operate in Level 1 areas.

Our Strategic Framework sets out how we plan to restore, in a phased way, greater normality to our everyday lives.

To minimise the risk of viral introduction to a care home from residents transferring in, all resident transfers must complete a total of 14 days of isolation either starting on or including the date of transfer in addition to the testing required.

In addition, all symptomatic or COVID-19 diagnosed residents in the care home should be isolated immediately for 14 days from the date of symptom onset (or date of first positive test if symptom onset undetermined).

In terms of support and reassurance to families and their loved ones, there are care practices to ensure that people are supported during this period of isolation. Essential visits are a further option for both relatives and residents, if there are concerns about wellbeing or distress, for example during the 14 day period.

The latest guidance from Health Protection Scotland supports those working in care home settings and was published on 31 December 2020. It sets out measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and how to provide care for individuals as safely as possible, including those completing a period of isolation. The guidance is available at: COVID-19: Information and Guidance for Care Home Settings (Adults and Older People) (windows.net) .

The 14 day period will remain in place for the immediate future and like all clinical guidance is continually reviewed to take account of the emerging picture around COVID-19.

The Treatment Time Guarantee was established through the Patent Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 and sets out the maximum waiting time that eligible patients should wait for agreed treatment to begin - which is 12 weeks.

To support Elective Care during COVID19 I published the Clinical Prioritisation Framework which sits alongside section 8(3) and (4) of the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011 which continues to require NHS Boards to take all reasonably available steps to ensure they are compliant with the treatment time guarantee (TTG). These steps include appropriately prioritising the start of the patient's treatment taking account of their clinical needs, and the clinical needs of other eligible patients, in accordance with the treatment time guarantee.

As announced by Crown Estate Scotland on 11 February, the review is targeted for completion by 24 March 2021. Crown Estate Scotland plan to outline the conclusions of the review at that time and will set out any implications for the revised timetable.

The review currently being undertaken by Crown Estate Scotland into the ScotWind Option structure is considering any implications changes may have on the offshore wind sector in Scotland, including competitiveness in future Contracts for Difference auctions.

Crown Estate Scotland’s review of the ScotWind option structure will take close account of the views of the offshore wind sector, focusing in particular on minimising further delay and thereby seeking to ensure that the leasing process retains their confidence.

Individuals that require adjustments for themselves or someone they care for with additional support needs should contact their Health Board and/or GP. This will allow for specialists to be made aware of any specific needs and adjustments required that are best suited to the patient. Appointments may be moved to a clinic if this would be a more comfortable setting, and the individual may be accompanied by their carer. Information on how to facilitate these conversations are available on NHS inform , in accessible formats. NHS inform also has a walkthrough video to show people the process at vaccine centres and what to expect at their appointment.

The Scottish Government guarantee provides for timely payment of fixed amounts of income due quarterly under a power purchase agreement between the smelter and Simec Lochaber Hydropower Limited. The Lochaber guarantee does not require the Scottish Government to buy electricity.

We know from people living with Long COVID that the path to recovery can be unpredictable, with symptoms affecting different people in different ways that can have an impact on how they want to live their lives.

There are already a range of NHS services in place that are able to support people suffering with Long COVID.

This includes GPs and the wider Primary Care team as a key first point of contact, and community based rehabilitation services to support people’s recovery through a wide range of interventions from occupational therapy, physiotherapy to speech and language therapy.

A smaller proportion of people with severe effects may need more specialist investigation and advice that is being provided in acute hospital settings.

The Scottish Government has partnered with Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland investing over £460,000 to develop its Long COVID Support Service. This has enabled Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland’s Nurses and Community Support Teams to provide information and advice to people living with Long COVID, thereby helping with their recovery.

As we understand more about Long COVID, we will continue to develop and enhancing services to provide the multidisciplinary and person-centred support that people require.