Jenni Minto
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“I would like to reflect on Willie Rennie’s comments. Bute welcomed families from Syria, who are now an integral part of the island. In Lochgilphead, Ukrainian families have settled and helped to revitalise the town’s main street with two new businesses.”
“Mòran taing, Oifigear Riaghlaidh. Thank you very much, Presiding Officer. I want to start with the words of one of my constituents: “I am not a politician, nor do I ever wish to become one. I am a leatherworker, a father and a business owner.”
“Ben Macpherson: There are many initiatives and policies in this space to encourage and support our young people to ensure that they can fulfil their potential, including the free tuition that the Government has provided for students.”
“Yesterday, I met pupils at Sunnyside primary school in Glasgow, and we talked about climate change, the Celtic and Amazonian rainforests and the fact that Scotland is the proud host of a rainforest. In my constituency, Dunoon grammar school won the world’s best school prize for community collaboration.”
“If any of the Reform members had taken part in my colleague Maggie Chapman’s debate on university education, they would have heard me talk about the Scottish Association for Marine Science, which is in Oban, in my constituency.”
“He spoke about the impact that Brexit had had on his business and how, because of that vote, his order book collapsed. He had to find new ways of marketing and promoting his business to ensure that he and his family survived. He spoke about the support that he had received from the SNP to expand his business.”
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“I spoke to many people who emphasised how much they valued having the wonderful sea resource on their doorstep, especially as it gives them the ability to exercise and enjoy sport. We have to ensure that we keep our seas as clean as they can be, so that people can take part in paddling at Tighnabruaich, wild swimming in Seil, surfing in Tiree, stone skimming in Easdale, yachting around the nooks and crannies of the coastline of Argyll and its isles, or the international clipper race that is sailing into Oban in July. Those are all fantastic opportunities for us to showcase Scotland, and Argyll and Bute, on the international stage, as well as for us to keep active. We need to continue to invest to ensure that our coastline and waterways are at the highest standard.”
“As the minister said, the summer of sport links clearly with the population health framework. As the minister and Gillian Mackay have noted, physical activity provides opportunities to connect and come together in activities that inspire and motivate. Sport in Argyll and Bute is inextricably linked to its landscape and seascape. I disagree with what Donald MacKinnon said in his opening speech— my apologies—but Argyll and Bute is Scotland’s most beautiful constituency, not just because of the landscape and the seascape but because of the people. I thank them for returning me as their MSP. To serve the people of Argyll and Bute is the biggest privilege of my life. Two weeks ago, I attended a Surfers Against Sewage event, or, as the schoolkids in Tighnabruaich say, a jobbie-free sea event.”
“As I have just said, togetherness and life skills are what we see on a shinty field. That is one of the many reasons why the summer of sport is so important and why I believe that ensuring that there are opportunities for participation in sport, regardless of where you live, is absolutely key. Sport teaches not only life skills, but a healthy way to thrive. The Atlantis Leisure centre in Oban and Lorn and Oban Healthy Options promote exactly that, through their fitness, prehab and rehab sessions. I have heard from young and old about the difference that a focus on swimming, exercise and sport has made to their health and recovery, and it is inspirational. The Happy Wee Health Club in Oban also finds colourful ways to engage young people in sport and fitness.”
“It was only after being elected that I experienced the excitement of a shinty match—from the joy of seeing the young players tournament at the Dalmally show to attending the Macaulay cup final in Oban last year—and I look forward to the Camanachd cup and the Macaulay cup in Oban this September. The passion, the camaraderie, the rivalry, the pride of winning, the pain of losing and the togetherness are all part of life’s skills, whether one is playing or spectating. I am so pleased to hear the minister's fantastic announcement about the joint working between the Camanachd Association and Scottish Golf. My constituent Bob MacIntyre is a great example of shifting from one discipline to the other, having played with Oban Camanachd and now playing on the greens of golf courses across the world.”
“Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I welcome you and your colleagues to your posts. I also congratulate my colleagues Siobhian Brown and Maree Todd on their re-elections, and I welcome Maree Todd back to her sports portfolio—I know how much she loves it. Ms Todd and I have a common goal, which is to increase the amount of Gaelic that is spoken in the Parliament. I am on my sixth year of Duolingo and, on Friday, this phrase popped up on my screen: “Is lugha orm poilitigs … is fheàrr leam iomain”. That means, “I dislike politics … I prefer shinty”. That is not entirely true. However, those two subjects are linked not only in Duolingo, but in my life. Shinty could be described as the beating heart of sport in Argyll and Bute.”
“It is a demand-led scheme and will be open to applicants across Scotland, including, of course, all areas of Argyll and Bute. As I said to Mr Griffin earlier—I address this suggestion to Mr Kerr, too— if, during the learning that takes place in the first phase, members come back to us about aspects of the scheme that can be adapted to ensure that it works for all areas, we will be keen to learn from them and we are keen to support members in that regard. The scheme will work for rural and island areas, and I value Ms Minto’s contribution to allowing the Government to do that most effectively.”
“How will the first homes fund work in rural and island areas such as Argyll and Bute, where it can be difficult for first-time buyers and their families to take their first steps on the property ladder because of the affordability and supply constraints that the cabinet secretary has referenced in her statement? Shirley-Anne Somerville: Jenni Minto raises an important point, and the issue of ensuring that the scheme works for all parts of Scotland is a challenge that we must rise to—I alluded to that in my statement. That is why we are taking a whole- Scotland approach. The scheme can work effectively in rural areas, alongside the other rural and island support that the Government has for key workers and for housing in general.”
“I, Jenni Minto, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm, that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.”
“If I am privileged to be re-elected to this place, I would be very happy to continue his campaign. The Deputy Presiding Officer: We always discourage nicknames. Accident and Emergency Departments (Waiting Times) 7.”
“I am pleased about the Government’s commitment, and I ask the minister to ensure that, if she is re-elected in the next session, she continues my drive on this issue. Jenni Minto: If you will allow me, Presiding Officer, I would like to pay a very personal tribute to Edward Mountain for his focus and the light that he has shone on this important issue. As Mr Mountain knows, I understand from a personal perspective the importance of our getting this right. The work that Mr Mountain has done has given us all a recognition of the importance of supporting those who are living with a stoma bag, and I thank him very much for that. I appreciate the way in which we have been able to communicate on the issue—even though he does call me “the bag lady”. I appreciate that communication very much, however.”
“Edward Mountain: I thank the minister for that, and I thank her for her work during this parliamentary session in helping me to achieve my aim. As a result of my campaign, I am pleased to report that NHS Highland has made good progress in making its accessible toilets stoma friendly. I am also pleased to report that the Parliament has made good progress, too. Recently, I was pleased to secure a commitment from Morrisons to immediately make all its accessible toilets stoma friendly across the United Kingdom. All that it requires is a mirror, a hook, and a shelf. Marks and Spencer, Asda and Tesco have all agreed to review their policies, and Lidl has committed to making its store specification comply with Colostomy UK’s recommendations from the start of the next financial year.”
“I thank Edward Mountain for raising this important issue. We recognise that the lack of a suitable surface to assist with changing a stoma bag can be an inconvenience as well as a source of stress. We do not hold any data centrally on the number of accessible toilets with a stoma shelf, but that data should be available from individual health boards. However, as Mr Mountain has brought the issue to my attention, I have asked officials to work with NHS Scotland to improve the provision of stoma shelves or equivalent surfaces within all NHS accessible toilets. The Scottish Government recognises the importance of those facilities in users’ lives and administers the changing places toilet fund to support the availability of toilets that support a range of needs, including those of people requiring to change a stoma bag.”
“As part of my role as the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, I am very aware of the different determinants that impact on people’s health. I am happy to take the point that Mr Ruskell raises about the Burrowine moor quarry at Culross in Fife and see what else we can do to look at that situation. The Deputy Presiding Officer: A brief question from”
“Perhaps the worst case that I have come across is at Burrowine moor quarry, near Kincardine, where the community has been suffering from silica dust pollution for many years, alongside noise and light pollution. The community’s view is that SEPA’s and the council’s regulatory responsibilities are not working. Our planning process seems blind to the health issues, and the review of mineral permissions around quarries is stuck in the 1970s. What further work can be done between the health and planning parts of the Scottish Government to ensure that those concerns are addressed and that the planning process puts health more centrally into its considerations during the next parliamentary session? Jenni Minto: I thank Mark Ruskell for his supplementary question, and I recognise the point that he makes about planning and health.”
“The Scottish Government has not undertaken any recent assessments of the potential public health impact of silica air pollution. Due to the nature of their work, construction workers are most likely to be at risk of silica air pollution. Regulation of workplace health and safety is reserved to the United Kingdom Government, which has responsibility for relevant legislation and statutory regulations. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is responsible for pollution prevention for silica sand quarries across Scotland, and it takes necessary action should quarries not comply with control regulations. Mark Ruskell: In the 14 years that I have been an MSP, I have encountered many examples of environmental injustice.”
“Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (Budget) 2.”
“Carol Mochan: I thank the minister for that helpful answer. I understand that advice and guidance are regularly updated. Does the Scottish Government know of any further research that is being carried out on co-sleeping? How can we ensure that Scotland stays up to date with the latest research and guidance? Jenni Minto: As I indicated, I have received correspondence from Ruth Charteris. Her letter specifically highlighted the importance of having a compassionate and caring conversation around co-sleeping. The Scottish Government bases its advice on evidence. We have worked with the leading baby loss charity, the Lullaby Trust, which has shown that 90 per cent of parents bed share with their baby at some point. Therefore, it is important that we ensure that the guidance is kept up to date and is as supportive as it can be for families.”
“Carol Mochan: Recommended guidance is that the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own separate cot. However, it is important that women are supported to make informed decisions about co-sleeping, particularly in the early stages of a newborn’s life, when parents and carers may be tired and lack sleep and rest. Does the Government believe that current advice and support are sufficiently publicised in a way that is helping women to make informed choices about that? Jenni Minto: Carol Mochan is right to point out the advice that is available. As a result of the correspondence that I have had with Ruth Charteris, I have asked my officials to write to all health boards to ensure that they point out that those resources are available to healthcare workers who are supporting families of newborn babies.”
“The loss of a baby is a tragic and traumatic event that has a profound impact and is something that no family should have to endure. I extend my condolences to every family who has experienced the loss of a baby or child. Although sudden unexpected deaths in infancy are invariably complex and there could be many reasons for those deaths, any death is one too many. I am clear that families must be provided with up-to-date evidence-based information to enable them to make informed choices when taking care of their sleeping baby. In June 2023 and again in September 2024, we refreshed our safer sleep for babies resources to ensure that families have the most up-to-date information possible. I urge all parents with babies and small children to follow that guidance.”
“With regard to the points that Douglas Lumsden raised, as I indicated in my first answer, the Scottish Government contracted healthcare planning support from RSM UK to undertake the detailed modelling and capacity planning work to inform local implementation plans. Implementation of the new model of neonatal intensive care was tested in practice in four boards—in NHS Fife and NHS Lothian in the east and in NHS Ayrshire and Arran and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in the west. The Scottish Government has provided more than £7.5 million since 2018-19 in support of implementation in the east and west, and we have provided planning funding to the north region. Discussions are currently under way with NHS Grampian in relation to additional funding requirements.”
“Meeting minutes that have been uncovered tell us that NHS Grampian does not have the cots or the staff. There are serious worries about ambulance cover, which is already a massive issue in the north of Scotland. One of the First Minister’s staff even said that they thought that downgrading Ninewells could have a deeply inhumane impact on mums travelling long distances. At its last meeting, the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee advised ministers to stop downgrading Ninewells until outstanding transport capacity and finance questions have been answered. What is the Government’s response to that? Jenni Minto: I need to be clear that the decision has been made, through expert advice, to ensure that the smallest and sickest babies get the best support and healthcare that can be achieved.”
“There have been extensive discussions with NHS boards about plans to improve care for the smallest and sickest babies by implementing the new model of neonatal intensive care. Following the announcement of the new model in July 2023, I asked regional chief executives to lead on the development of regional implementation plans. Implementation groups were established in each region, including clinicians, partnership and service users. The regional chief executives also established a task and finish group to take forward work to inform implementation, including maternity workforce modelling, financial modelling, cot capacity planning, and management and communication. Douglas Lumsden: For the sickest and most pre-term babies, the Government seeks to centralise care to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.”
“Many people have had positive experiences with responsible and caring practitioners, but, as the sector has grown, so have the stories of people who have been harmed or injured. The regulation of independent clinics left a gap whereby non-clinical settings remained entirely unregulated. In a minority of cases, that has had tragic results.”
“These measures ensure that relatives will have more opportunities to request a review and they also update the requirements for authorising cremations and now hydrolysis, avoiding duplication of those processes and reducing delays for families without undermining safeguards. In considering the remainder of the bill, I want to start by reminding us why the bill came about, just as I did at stage 1. Concerns about cosmetic procedures were first raised more than a decade ago. The Scottish Government took steps and, in 2016, services provided by independent healthcare clinics, which included non-surgical procedures, came under the regulation of Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Since then, the non-surgical procedures sector has continued to grow.”
“I am delighted to speak to the general principles of the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill. It is, I believe, an important bill that addresses important safety concerns. It is significant to those who will be impacted by it and to those who have already, sadly, been affected by the lack of regulation in the non-surgical procedures sector to date. I will start by addressing part 2 of the bill, which makes important amendments to the Certification of Death (Scotland) Act 2011. These amendments extend the right to request an interested person review and update the provisions on authorising cremations and hydrolysis in Scotland when a death has occurred elsewhere in the United Kingdom.”
“At stage 2, I told the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee that what is proposed in amendment 10 would raise concerns about legislative competence due to its interaction with the reservation of the regulation of health professionals in reservation G2 in schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998. That includes osteopaths as the profession that is regulated by the Osteopaths Act 1993. I urge Dr Gulhane not to press amendment 10 and I urge members to support my amendments in the group. I move amendment 1.”
“Sandesh Gulhane’s amendment 10 would remove persons who are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council from the list of regulated healthcare professionals in section 1(3). That would remove osteopaths from the healthcare exception in section 1(1)(b)(ii). At stage 2, Dr Gulhane raised concerns about the inclusion of osteopaths. I met him to discuss that, and he should not be surprised that I urge him not to press his amendment 10. The bill is not the place to judge what does and does not constitute healthcare or whether particular healthcare procedures are appropriate or effective in the treatment of disease. That is a matter for healthcare professionals and their regulators.”
“At stage 2, amendments were made to the definition of “non-surgical procedure” in section 1 and to the procedures set out in schedule 1 that are non-surgical procedures for the purposes of the bill. Group 1 contains further technical amendments in my name to ensure that the descriptions of different procedures are clear. Amendment 1 will clarify that a procedure may fall within several procedure descriptions in schedule 1 or may combine different kinds of procedures and still be a non-surgical procedure for the purposes of the bill. Amendments 8 and 9 will make it clear that injectable and intravenous procedures may involve the use of a microneedle. Amendment 2 will remove a redundant “or” from section 1(1)(b)(ii).”
“That is why I am meeting BDA Scotland next week to discuss further changes that we could make with it.”
“Given that inequalities have widened under this Government, does the Government recognise that access is a system-wide issue and that significant changes must be made to tackle dentistry inequality? Jenni Minto: As Carol Mochan knows, we have continued to invest—and increase the investment—in Childsmile, which is a multifaceted, multi-setting dental public health programme that supports young children. We also have a number of adult programmes, such as the caring for smiles programme, specifically to support inequalities and improve oral health for people with experience of the justice system, people experiencing homelessness and adults with additional care needs. I have been clear in my answers that we recognise that we have made some progress, but we have more to make.”
“I recognise that there are some areas in which we need more dentists, so we have given an additional £437,000 of funding to Dumfries and Galloway and it has been used to recruit two senior dental officers and a dental therapist to resource Gardenhill dental surgery in Castle Douglas. Carol Mochan: We need to view dentistry as part of the preventative health agenda. In places such as Ayrshire and Arran, in my South Scotland region, only 60 per cent of registered patients who live in the most deprived areas have had contact with an NHS dentist in the past two years. The last national dental inspection programme report revealed an alarming gap in oral health between children living in the most deprived areas of Scotland and those living in the least deprived areas.”
“Too many are forced to use their savings on private dentistry. A YouGov poll highlighted in the British Dental Association’s manifesto said that 65 per cent of Scots believe that the Scottish Government should do more to improve NHS dentistry in Scotland. As workforce is a key part of that issue, can the Scottish Government give an update on how it will plan to boost the workforce, specifically given that dentists remain in short supply and that even fewer are willing to treat NHS patients? Jenni Minto: As I said in my first answer, we improved the pay situation for dentists in 2023. When that started, I was very clear that that was the beginning of a journey. We have increased the number of spaces available for dentists to train in Scotland by 7 per cent, which is a positive way forward.”
“We remain committed to improving access to national health service dentistry across Scotland by building on our 2023 reform, which incentivised dentists to deliver more NHS care and was backed by a funding increase of nearly 40 per cent over this parliamentary session. As a result, participation in NHS dentistry has increased by more than 10 percentage points to 62 per cent, while the number of dentists has returned to its pre-pandemic level. We recognise that we need to do more, so our operational improvement plan commits to additional actions to further increase the dental workforce and support equitable access in rural areas. Carol Mochan: Our constituents’ wellbeing should not come down to a postcode lottery, but, sadly, dental deserts are far too common, particularly in my South Scotland region.”
“The Scottish Government’s guidance on the provision of fertility preservation in the NHS in Scotland, which was published on 27 February, provides information on patient groups to be considered for NHS fertility preservation treatment. The list is not exhaustive, and special consideration is likely to be necessary on a case- by-case basis to cover the range of possible conditions. Clinicians should use their local multidisciplinary group and/or a peer review process to facilitate rapid and equitable decision making. A surrogate is not required to be in place for NHS fertility preservation treatment, so I am happy to take away the points that Ms Nicoll has raised. Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund 4.”
“However, to date, surrogates have been unwilling to commit to a surrogacy unless they receive an assurance that embryos are ready to be implanted at the time of agreement. That has made it impossible for her and her partner to start their family. I understand that, in some situations, women can have their embryos frozen without having a surrogate in place—for example, if the woman has a cancer diagnosis. Given that MRKH syndrome is such a rare condition that provides no chance of spontaneous conception, will the minister commit to considering access to specialised fertility treatment for women such as my constituent? Jenni Minto: I take this opportunity to recognise the caring and thoughtful way in which Audrey Nicoll has represented her constituents during her time in the Parliament.”
“Couples who experience infertility as a result of conditions such as MRKH can be referred for national health service in vitro fertilisation treatment, including NHS IVF with surrogacy, provided that they meet all the additional NHS access criteria. Eligible patients may be offered up to three cycles of IVF when there is a reasonable expectation of a live birth. Audrey Nicoll: Women living with MRKH cannot carry a pregnancy, but they may have children via IVF with a surrogate, as the minister highlighted, or adoption. Sadly, one of my constituents is unable to access that surrogate option, as she cannot have her embryos developed until a commitment is made from a surrogate.”
“The Scottish Government is firmly committed to increasing access to new and innovative medicines, and I absolutely recognise the key importance of medical and scientific research in finding a cure for MND, which is why more than 350 patients from Scotland have been recruited to the United Kingdom-wide MND smart clinical trial. I recognise the important work that Mark Sommerville is doing to ensure that more work is done in this area, and I thank Mr Griffin for bringing the issue to the chamber. I will chase up any response to letters. Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 3.”
“They were protesting outside the Parliament in the cold and rain because, despite writing to the First Minister on multiple occasions, they had had no response from anyone in the Government. Mark has a young family and is desperate to see investment in a cure or a treatment that could slow down the progression of MND. He feels—as do the other people who were in the cold and rain that day—that, by failing to meet them, ministers fail to understand the urgency of their situation. Can the minister say why Mark and other people with MND feel ignored by this Government? Jenni Minto: I thank Mark Griffin for his supplementary question and recognise the importance of conditions such as motor neurone disease.”
“Within the Scottish Government, the chief scientist office supports health and care research through direct funding and infrastructure support. The chief scientist office is currently funding two fellowships in motor neurone disease, with a total funding commitment of £485,000. Further applications on motor neurone disease to the chief scientist office’s project and fellowship funding schemes are welcomed. The Scottish Government provides annual funding of £665,000 to the NHS Research Scotland neuroprogressive disease network to support the delivery of clinical trials in Scotland for neurodegenerative conditions, including motor neurone disease. Mark Griffin: I met my constituent Mark Sommerville and other brave MND sufferers two weeks ago.”
“I am pleased that NHS Tayside has already reached the conclusion of its actions. The Presiding Officer: Briefly please, minister. Jenni Minto: This is an on-going process to ensure that we have safe maternity services in Scotland. The Presiding Officer: As ever, I appreciate members’ interest in these important matters, but I would be grateful for concise questions and responses.”
“I was at NHS Ayrshire and Arran last week, and I specifically talked to the director of midwifery to ensure that there was cross-health board sharing of information and improvement measures. I note that Mr Kerr referred to whistleblowing. He will know from the answers to previous questions that he has asked in this area that the cabinet secretary and I feel strongly that staff whistleblowing should be recognised and that we should ensure that the concerns of staff are listened to clearly. That is exactly what was done during the Scottish Government’s listening work. The First Minister, the cabinet secretary and I are clear that health boards should follow up on the actions that have been taken on the recommendations that were made in each of the Healthcare Improvement Scotland reviews to improve things.”
“The Patient Safety Commissioner says that many expectant mothers feel ignored by the system, and we know that staff feel unsafe to raise concerns because of the past treatment of whistleblowers. What specific measures is the minister now taking to end this culture of secrecy and cover-up and ensure that health boards are held directly accountable when they fail to protect mothers and babies? Jenni Minto: It is important to recognise that the Healthcare Improvement Scotland reviews provide clear information about areas where health boards are doing well and areas where they need to improve. The reviews are on-going, and we are working together with the health boards to ensure that they learn from them.”
“I am pleased that the Patient Safety Commissioner is an independent public advocate for patients on issues of safety, and she is a key part of the maternity and neonatal task force. We had our first meeting at the end of January; we will have another meeting this month and a further one towards the end of March. We are working through exactly what we need to do, and specific work programmes will be led by a variety of people. I reiterate that it is important to have the Patient Safety Commissioner in the task force as an independent public advocate for patients on issues of safety. Stephen Kerr: In a sense, that answer goes to the heart of the concerns that many of us have. Reports from Healthcare Improvement Scotland reveal recurring weaknesses in how health boards learn from safety incidents.”
“When we debated the issue in November, there was broad cross-party agreement that the concerns warranted a national investigation. The figure of £96.2 million is not just a number—it reflects trauma and loss. Instead, we have a task force that has met once, with no published remit or timetable. The Patient Safety Commissioner said: “I worry that a taskforce that is so heavily government and NHS Scotland will be marking their own homework” and that “If there’s anything I’m finding, it’s that closing rank and that attitude of ‘there’s nothing to see here’”. When will the Government order a fully independent national investigation? Jenni Minto: I agree that it is important that any situation in maternity services is highlighted and that we find the right way to improve services. I am very strong and clear on that.”
“As Mr Kerr will appreciate, I cannot comment on the figures for individual boards, but, in the interests of transparency, a clinical negligence and other risks indemnity scheme report is published annually by NHS National Services Scotland. The latest published figures show that there has been variability in the value of obstetrics and gynaecology claims. This reflects the fact that the expenditure on negligence claims in any year is often determined by a small number of high-value claims, which vary each year. Stephen Kerr: I pay tribute to Hannah Brown at The Herald, Marion Scott at the Sunday Post, Lisa Summers at BBC Scotland’s “Disclosure” programme and whistleblowers who are speaking up for keeping this troubling issue in the public eye. The safety of mothers and babies goes to the heart of our nation.”
“Patient safety in maternity services is a key priority for the Scottish Government. That is why we established a new maternity and neonatal task force and it is why the Patient Safety Commissioner is a member of that task force. The vast majority of women and babies receive excellent care, but, when things go wrong, we expect boards to investigate fully, be honest with families and ensure that lessons are learned. My heart goes out to any woman, or any family of a woman, who has not received the high standard of maternity and obstetric care that we expect. It is very important to note that the number or value of claims settled in any year does not directly correlate to an increase in incidents.”
“As I have said before, we have the “Palliative Care Matters for All” strategy and its five-year plan, and I want to see how that develops, alongside the discussions that we will continue to have with members in the chamber and with Marie Curie.”
“Jenni Minto: Just on Friday, I was having exactly this discussion with one of my constituents. It is really important for us to have these discussions, which is why I am very pleased that the Scottish Government has good conversations and dialogues with Marie Curie on palliative care. I underline again that the Scottish Government and I want everyone in Scotland, regardless of age, diagnosis or location, to have access to timely, high-quality and person-centred palliative care. I was very thankful for the consultation that Marie Curie did on the right to palliative care, alongside our colleague Miles Briggs and others.”
“Societal taboos around dying and stigma or fears about the withdrawal of treatment can lead to the marginalisation of palliative care services for adults and children. That is why I am very pleased that Marie Curie has done this work and that Mr Rowley has raised it in the chamber. Alex Rowley: I welcome the fact that the minister says that her officials are going to meet Marie Curie, because the organisation is very clear that the situation does not need to be this way and it is calling for legislation to enshrine in law a right to palliative care. Does the minister agree that every person must have the right to dignity at the end of life and access to quality palliative care? Will the Government therefore support the introduction—at some point—of legislation that gives everyone the right in law to palliative care?”
“I believe that, over the recent period, in relation to the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, most members in the chamber have received heartbreaking emails from constituents, telling us of their experiences when loved ones died without the right support in place. Does the minister accept that every individual who is in need of palliative care should be able to access it when they are dying? Jenni Minto: Very simply, yes, I do accept that. That is why I was very proud to introduce the “Palliative Care Matters for All” framework in September last year. In my ministerial foreword, I noted that, in Scotland, we still struggle as a society to talk openly about serious illness and death.”