Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 22 September 2010
22 Sep 2010 · S3 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
E-health
We have said that we will look at the evidence on how the number rolls out, what it looks like and some of the learning from that before giving further consideration to it. That will be interesting, because there may be information and lessons for us to take from it and we may want to consider the matter further. That is how we will proceed.
One of the first actions that the review recommended was that a telehealth strategy be produced. That has been completed and focused on four programmes of work: stroke, paediatrics, mental health and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. All of those programmes aim to deliver cost-effective solutions that can be rolled out on a national basis. The work will be co-ordinated by NHS 24, under a governance structure that includes appropriate representation from boards. Projects will be fully costed and supported by robust business cases.
One of the first actions that the review recommended was that a telehealth strategy be produced. That has been completed and focused on four programmes of work: stroke, paediatrics, mental health and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. All of those programmes aim to deliver cost-effective solutions that can be rolled out on a national basis. The work will be co-ordinated by NHS 24, under a governance structure that includes appropriate representation from boards. Projects will be fully costed and supported by robust business cases.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Alex Fergusson)
NPA
The next item of business is a debate on motion S3M-7015, in the name of Christine Grahame, on the Health and Sport Committee’s report, “Clinical portal and ...
Christine Grahame (South of Scotland) (SNP)
SNP
Going by my helpful note from the clerks, I fear that I have 13 minutes for this speech. A pattern appears to be emerging of my having extensive time to spea...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I ask members not to follow the convener’s example by not using up their allocated time, because we have a little time available.I call Shona Robison, who ha...
The Minister for Public Health and Sport (Shona Robison)
SNP
I welcome this debate on the important role of information technology in improving the safety, effectiveness and efficiency of care. I hope that I will be ab...
Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD)
LD
Will the 111 telephone number be utilisable in Scotland?
Shona Robison
SNP
We have said that we will look at the evidence on how the number rolls out, what it looks like and some of the learning from that before giving further consi...
Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
Why did the minister decide not to set a health improvement, efficiency, access and treatment target for telehealth, as recommended in paragraph 87 of the co...
Shona Robison
SNP
As I am beginning to outline, we have decided to move forward on a phased basis, focusing on the areas that I have identified. Rather than ask boards to do e...
Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab)
Lab
I welcome the debate. As the Health and Sport Committee’s convener suggested, it might appear to be a dry subject, but it is also a very important debate. I ...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
You have a minute and a half more.
Dr Simpson
Lab
Telehealth is moving forward, but rather slowly. We have four systems—telestroke, telepaediatrics, mental health and long-term condition management—but, as M...
Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
Much is said about consensus in the Parliament, although it tends to be lacking in many debates. However, the considerable consensus in committees—particular...
Jamie Stone (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) (LD)
LD
The motion asks us to note the contents of the Health and Sport Committee’s report, which I do with great interest. I, too, thank the members of the committe...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Alasdair Morgan)
SNP
We now move to the open debate. I can allow members up to seven minutes each.15:23
Ian McKee (Lothians) (SNP)
SNP
As a member of the Health and Sport Committee, I am pleased to speak about our report. I begin by thanking our committee support team for their hard work in ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Wind up, please.
Ian McKee
SNP
In summary, we could be on the brink of huge and game-changing developments in patient care, but only if we prepare carefully and fund sensibly. I commend th...
Helen Eadie (Dunfermline East) (Lab)
Lab
I am pleased to take part in what I consider to be an important debate that could help to unlock exciting developments throughout Scotland. I echo Christine ...
Mary Scanlon
Con
Does the member agree that the public-private partnership between optometrists and the NHS is one of the best in Scotland and puts patients at the heart of t...
Helen Eadie
Lab
I am not in a position to evaluate that, but if Mary Scanlon says that it is, she must be right.Mr Taylor’s digital images clearly showed terrible wet macula...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Wind up, please.
Helen Eadie
Lab
I make no apologies to anyone in the chamber for providing an intense case study, as it illustrates very well how telehealth can magically make a difference ...
Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con)
Con
I join others in acknowledging the painstaking work of the Health and Sport Committee and its clerks that has led to the comprehensive report that we are dis...
Michael Matheson (Falkirk West) (SNP)
SNP
I will not offer another definition of “clinical portal”. Members have provided several definitions and I suspect that the members who still do not understan...
Rhoda Grant (Highlands and Islands) (Lab)
Lab
The subject matter of this debate is the use of technology, but the committee’s report is really in two distinct parts. The first part considers a single pat...
Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD)
LD
I, too, am pleased to participate in this afternoon’s debate. I congratulate the members of the Health and Sport Committee on what their convener celebrated ...
Dave Thompson (Highlands and Islands) (SNP)
SNP
As I represent Scotland’s largest parliamentary region, which contains hundreds of large and small communities in remote glens, peninsulas and islands, I am ...
Jeremy Purvis
LD
I am sure that the member is aware of the pathfinder north project under which schools got broadband connections. The project was fully delivered by the prev...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Trish Godman)
Lab
You are in your last minute, Mr Thompson.
Dave Thompson
SNP
Okay. Thank you, Presiding Officer. Mr Purvis will find that the Scottish Government has done many things with its limited powers, but that does not change t...