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Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

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Question reference: S6W-02218

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 23 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 4 October 2021

To ask the Scottish Government how many people were waiting for (a) brain surgery, (b) treatment for gynaecological conditions, (c) eye treatment, (d) ear, nose and throat treatment, (e) gastroenterology services, (f) ophthalmology services, (g) trauma treatment and (h) orthopaedic services in May (i) 2019, (ii) 2020, and (iii) 2021, and what the longest waiting time was in each of these categories in the same three months.

The figures provided below include patients waiting to have their initial appointment with a consultant (new outpatient) and patients who were waiting to be admitted for treatment (inpatient or day case) within select specialties relating to the question.

In the field of orthopaedic medicine, trauma is categorised as a severe injury to the elements of the musculoskeletal system (muscles, joints, ligaments, bones, and soft tissue). These trauma injuries are often the result of a sudden accident, such as a fall or car accident, and so the patient requires immediate medical attention. Consequently, no waiting times are provided here.

Table 1 shows the total number of patients waiting for a new outpatient appointment across NHS Scotland at 31 May 2019, 31 May 2020 and 31 May 2021, broken down by specialty. Note that 95 th percentile waits have been provided rather than the longest wait as a more robust measure. This is due to the likelihood of the longest wait for each specialty being a data quality issue as opposed to a true waiting time.

Table 1: Total waiting for a New Outpatient appointment and 95 th percentile waits, 31 May 2019, 31 May 2020, 31 May 2021; NHS Scotland

Specialty	Indicator	31/05/2019	31/05/2020	31/05/2021
Ear, Nose & Throat	Number on list	29,648	23,901	34,454
	95th Percentile (days)	245	292	524
Gastroenterology	Number on list	20,701	10,856	16,880
	95th Percentile (days)	644	377	563
Gynaecology	Number on list	20,487	17,094	33,691
	95th Percentile (days)	227	202	437
Neurosurgery	Number on list	3,774	3,153	2,998
	95th Percentile (days)	282	339	495
Ophthalmology	Number on list	30,400	13,286	9,831
	95th Percentile (days)	205	289	538
Orthopaedics	Number on list	19,126	26,146	49,630
	95th Percentile (days)	260	332	497

Source: PHS Waiting Times Datamart

Note: The 95th percentile (days) measure indicates that 95% of patients had been waiting less than the number of days shown and 5% had been waiting longer.

Table 2 shows the total number of patients waiting to be admitted for treatment as an inpatient or day case across NHS Scotland at 31 May 2019, 31 May 2020 and 31 May 2021, broken down by specialty.

Table 2: Total waiting to be admitted as an inpatient or day case and 95 th percentile waits, 31 May 2019, 31 May 2020, 31 May 2021; NHS Scotland

Specialty	Indicator	31/05/2019	31/05/2020	31/05/2021
Ear, Nose & Throat	Number on list	6,873	7,142	7,966
	95th Percentile (days)	349	396	656
Gastroenterology	Number on list	178	208	282
	95th Percentile (days)	77	143	455
Gynaecology	Number on list	4,421	4,823	5,739
	95th Percentile (days)	303	310	581
Neurosurgery	Number on list	850	1,104	1,392
	95th Percentile (days)	246	389	640
Ophthalmology	Number on list	11,090	13,286	9,831
	95th Percentile (days)	205	289	538
Orthopaedics	Number on list	19,126	22,715	29,606
	95th Percentile (days)	263	356	633

Source: PHS Waiting Times Datamart

Note: The 95th percentile (days) measure indicates that 95% of patients had been waiting less than the number of days shown and 5% had been waiting longer.

Question reference: S6W-03179

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 20 September 2021
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 28 September 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that people who have taken part in a COVID-19 vaccine trial have access to their certificate of vaccination.

We are extremely grateful to everyone who has volunteered for vaccine trials in Scotland. We are committed to ensuring that these volunteers are not disadvantaged in any way, and work is on-going to ensure their vaccine status is correctly presented on the vaccine database.

If a person has participated in coronavirus vaccine clinical trials in Scotland, they should have already received a letter from their Chief Investigator confirming their involvement. The letter allows them to attend events or access services throughout the UK in the same way as those who are fully vaccinated. They will also soon be able to obtain a record of their vaccination status that contains a barcode to enable easier access to venues.

Further information is available here at NHS Inform: Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination status for clinical trial participants | The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine (nhsinform.scot)

Question reference: S6W-02588

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Tuesday, 31 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by John Swinney on 14 September 2021

To ask the Scottish Government on what dates it has met the UK Government to discuss the establishment of an inquiry on the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic; whether it will publish the minutes of these meetings, and on what dates future discussions or meetings are planned.

Question reference: S6F-00255

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 13 September 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 16 September 2021

To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government will support the Scottish Ambulance Service in coping with reports of unprecedented pressure that is resulting in significant increases to waiting times.

Question reference: S6W-02104

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Tuesday, 31 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 13 September 2021

To ask the Scottish Government by what means hospital patients in receipt of the COVID-19 vaccine can expect to obtain the batch number for the vaccine they have received.

Previously, individuals had to access the batch number of the vaccine they received in Scotland by requesting access to their medical records. Batch numbers are now available on vaccination status certificates which can be downloaded or obtained at: Get a record of your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination status | The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine (nhsinform.scot) or from the COVID-19 Status Helpline on 0808 196 8565 (open every day from 10:00am to 6:00pm).

2D QR barcodes have now been added to all records of vaccination for additional security.

Question reference: S6O-00114

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Wednesday, 01 September 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 9 September 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on establishing a commission to prevent violence against women, in all its forms.

Question reference: S6W-02103

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 09 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 31 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider introducing a means by which neurodiverse school pupils could be exempted from the requirement to have a negative PCR test before returning to school, after being identified as a close contact of a pupil or teacher who has tested positive for COVID-19.

As outlined in the Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on reducing the risks in schools guidance, published 16 August 2021, from 9 August our approach to contact tracing and self-isolation for close contacts aged under 18, including those attending schools, has changed. Close contacts aged under 18 who are identified by Test and Protect as requiring to do so will be asked to self-isolate and book a PCR test. If this is negative they can end self-isolation provided they remain asymptomatic.

Exemptions from PCR testing apply to close contacts who are aged under 5, or who for medical reasons are unable to be tested or are exempt. Parents or carers should seek advice from their GP or the local Health Protection team to obtain this exemption if their child is unable to get tested. For these groups, a PCR test will not be required to end self-isolation.

The approach to children aged under 5 reflects the lower risks of infection and transmission in this age group, and the fact that younger children may find it harder to tolerate testing. However, children under 5 who are close contacts remain encouraged to take a PCR test where possible.

Question reference: S6W-02209

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Thursday, 12 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 31 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government by what date community and amateur choirs will be able to resume in-person practice and gatherings.

Since 9 August, Scotland has moved beyond Level 0 restrictions and therefore beyond the Protection Levels system. This means that all venues are now allowed to open and most legal restrictions have been removed.

The Scottish Government has published summary guidance to support the reopening of cultural performances events, setting out in one place the remaining legal requirements and good practice precautionary measures most relevant to the sector, as well as a statement about long-term recovery.

The guidance is available here: Coronavirus (COVID-19): reopening of cultural performances and events guidance - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) .

Question reference: S6F-00196

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 30 August 2021
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 2 September 2021

To ask the First Minister when the Cabinet will next meet.

Question reference: S6W-01809

Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: Monday, 02 August 2021
Current Status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 30 August 2021

To ask the Scottish Government what recent communication it has had with the UK Government regarding Hong Kong residents moving to Scotland.

Scotland is a welcoming nation and those who decide to come to Scotland from Hong Kong and elsewhere will be welcomed for the positive contribution they will bring to our communities, economy and society. The British National (Overseas)visa scheme was launched on 31 st January and as of the end of March 2021 a total of 34,300 have applied for the visa.

Scottish Government has been engaging with UK Government to clarify the numbers of individuals coming to Scotland. through this visa route. This information will be key in ensuring the availability of relevant information and advice. Scottish Government has prepared an online welcome pack for individuals arriving in Scotland via the British National (Overseas) visa scheme which will be linked to our Moving to Scotland resource.

We will continue to press the UK Government for further information on numbers.