Meeting of the Parliament 15 November 2023
As I explained at committee, much of the work for the human rights assessment has been completed and we are very content to complete it. We are certain that it will comply, and we will provide the committee with that.
With regard to the consultation, a short, targeted consultation was undertaken between 28 September and 12 October. Although only nine responses were received, they were from key bodies that are charged with upholding the human rights of children in Scotland. In addition to the consultation, officials arranged meetings with those stakeholders in order to seek further information on the responses. From those meetings, stakeholders’ discussions indicated broad support. Therefore, I think that, in addition to the initial consultation, there has been a sufficient level of engagement with key individuals and organisations.
Many of the questions that members had when I appeared before the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee related to the operational management of Foxgrove. NHS Ayrshire and Arran, as the commissioned health board, is responsible for developing operational policy. It would be pleased to welcome any interested members on a visit to Foxgrove to help them to understand how it will operate and to address any of their concerns.
The regulations are an essential step in preparing Foxgrove to admit patients, which it hopes to do in March 2024. I therefore urge members to approve the regulations.