Meeting of the Parliament 22 February 2017
I was coming to that. I was also going to say that I will come back to the member with further clarity on that. I will perhaps jump ahead and say that we are making progress on IT systems and on e-records. I understand that KIS and the emergency care summary—ECS—system have been available in all ambulances since last year. I will confirm that to her in writing, but I hope that it gives some reassurance that significant progress has been made on the points that she raised.
I recently had a meeting with Epilepsy Scotland in the Parliament at which we discussed access to social security for people with epilepsy. Since the meeting, we have awarded funding to Epilepsy Scotland to support the development of a benefits advice service that is specifically designed to support people who live with epilepsy. It is hoped that the service will be operational later this year.
Our national advisory committee for neurological conditions is looking at models of care that incorporate all the aims of Gordon’s campaign—person-centred care and support, specialist care provided by skilled nurses, therapists, doctors and care teams, access to specialist services, and opportunities to participate in research into new treatments. I have asked the committee to report to me on progress in all those areas.
Maree Todd and Clare Adamson also mentioned how MND has robbed the world of sport, with the tragic loss of Joost van der Westhuizen, and I understand that Rangers fans have raised funds to help with a movie about the football star Fernando Ricksen’s current battle with MND. They hope to show it in Scotland. I hope that all the work that Fernando Ricksen is carrying out will continue to raise the profile of the condition.
I offer my thanks to members for their contributions to the debate and I again offer condolences to Gordon’s husband, Joe, and his family, friends and supporters who are in the public gallery. We will remain resolute in our commitment to make good on achieving Gordon’s aim of finding a cure and we will continue to look at what we can do better—how we should transform and improve care and how we can equip ourselves to deliver even better health and social care services in the future for those who live with MND and other neurological conditions.
Finally, I just want to say—rest in peace, Gordon, but please know that you are remembered in all our hearts and that you have made Scotland a better place. [Applause.]