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.”
The complete record
Every one of 586 lines we hold for Jenni Minto, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 7 of 12.
“We remain determined to improve cancer survival rates and to provide excellent and equitable care for all people who face cancer. At the forefront of that strategy is a dedicated focus on the less survivable cancers, including liver cancer, and improving outcomes for people who are affected. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of speaking at the rethink liver cancer reception, which was hosted by AMMF and sponsored by my colleague Ben Macpherson MSP. As other members have done, I welcome Benjamin Carey to the gallery, as well as Ann and Derek Winter. It was a deeply moving experience to meet them and families affected by cholangiocarcinoma. I heard at first hand about the challenges that they face.”
“I, too, thank my colleague Marie McNair for bringing the motion to the chamber, and I welcome the opportunity to close today’s debate on cholangiocarcinoma. I also acknowledge the valuable contributions that my colleagues have made tonight, especially as this is liver cancer awareness month. Even though it is estimated that one in two people will develop cancer in their lifetime, the reality of receiving a diagnosis of cancer can still come as a complete shock, especially for the rarer cancers such as cholangiocarcinoma. Liver cancers continue to have a devastating impact on far too many individuals and families across Scotland. As members will be aware, the Scottish Government published our ambitious 10- year cancer strategy in June 2023.”
“I have met the charity on a number of occasions since I became Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, and I look forward to continuing that important collaboration into the future. The charity published its five-year strategy at the end of September, and I was pleased to note that our priorities continue to be aligned in the coming years and that its three key themes—earlier diagnosis, care and support, and new treatment— echo the ambitions of our 10-year cancer strategy for Scotland, which we published in 2023. Everyone in the chamber has been completely correct about wear it pink. Stephen Kerr talked about what an effective way it is of raising awareness but also about the messages of care and hope that it brings. The motion has awarded us the opportunity to mark the important contribution of”
“I, too, express my sincere thanks to Clare Adamson for bringing this important motion to the chamber for debate and to my fellow MSPs, who have all provided meaningful and thought-provoking contributions to our discussion. I associate myself with the motion’s commendation of the work of the charity Breast Cancer Now. It is an active member of the Scottish Cancer Coalition, and I greatly appreciate its contribution to the national conversation on issues in relation to breast cancer and its vital work in supporting women living with breast cancer in Scotland. Clare Adamson and other members are right to recognise the support that men living with breast cancer get, too.”
“The few minutes that it takes can and does save lives—please do the test. Meeting closed at 19:31. This is the final edition of the Official Report for this meeting. It is part of the Scottish Parliament Official Report archive and has been sent for legal deposit. Published in Edinburgh by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP All documents are available on the Scottish Parliament website at: www.parliament.scot Information on non-endorsed print suppliers is available here: www.parliament.scot/documents For information on the Scottish Parliament contact Public Information on: Telephone: 0131 348 5000 Textphone: 0800 092 7100 Email: sp.info@parliament.scot”
“However, our ambitions must be delivered responsibly and take into consideration the impact on NHS services and individuals. As members have mentioned, without more capacity, a higher number of tests will result in delays for symptomatic or higher-risk patients. We are working to overcome those challenges and to increase the detection of polyps and cancer. This year, we allocated more than £10 million to endoscopy services, building on our endoscopy and urology diagnostic recovery and renewl plan that was published in 2021. Those steps will make a difference, and our aim remains to work towards a lower threshold, but we can do so only when we know that it will truly improve outcomes. Again, I thank Edward Mountain for his motion, and I urge everyone to complete their bowel cancer screening when they are invited to take it up.”
“It has resulted in all health boards developing bespoke inequality plans, and we now have an equity and screening network that allows experts to share what works and, just as importantly, what does not. Those initiatives might take time, but I am confident that we will see reduced inequality and increased uptake across all screening programmes, including bowel cancer. We will continue to make £1 million available annually to support that work. In 2026, we will also publish an updated equity strategy that includes the valuable input from third sector organisations. I have noted some of the contributions tonight that we will be considering. I have heard the clear calls to lower the referral threshold. I am ambitious to make that happen, and that ambition is shared across the NHS.”
“Those are often people in areas of high deprivation or who face other barriers that make screening difficult. I have no hesitation in saying that that is not where I want Scotland to be. There are no easy fixes, but I assure members that we are working to find solutions. Some will seem to be small, but they will have significant impact. For example, Public Health Scotland is improving the bowel screening invitation letters to include a suggested return date for the kit. A pilot revealed that that simple step increases uptake. Work is also on-going to make it easier to request information in other languages and formats, which will increase accessibility for people across Scotland. More broadly, the 2023 equity and screening strategy set out a vision to improve accessibility across screening programmes.”
“That means that more cancer is detected early, when treatment is likely to be more effective, and more people are given the chance for another birthday, another Christmas, to see a child get married or simply to have more time with family and friends. We should never take that for granted. We should also not assume that we have reached the limits of what is possible, which is why we continue to consider advice from the UK National Screening Committee, which is an independent expert advisory group, and I have asked my officials to explore engaging with that group on eligibility criteria. As many members have noted, with around two thirds of people returning their screening kits, we are exceeding the 60 per cent target. However, as Jackie Dunbar and Jackie Baillie said, that means that a third of people are not returning them.”
“I always find it very difficult to respond to this debate, because my father died of secondary cancer as a result of his bowel cancer not being diagnosed soon enough. On the flip side, one of my best friends was diagnosed early and I am very pleased about that. She and I are going to see Deacon Blue on Friday night—she is doing very well. It is easy to talk about statistics and percentages, but, as I have just illustrated, behind every cancer story is a personal one. As we have noted today, Scotland was the first nation to fully implement the UK national screening recommendations, so the entire eligible population was offered screening. Along with Wales, we continue to have the lowest referral threshold, which means that more people are sent for investigative tests.”
“I echo Mr Mountain’s and Alexander Stewart’s gratitude to bowel cancer charities. The Scottish Cancer Coalition, which consists of 31 third sector organisations, informs and amplifies our detect cancer early messaging. Bowel Cancer UK, as well as being a valued member of the bowel screening programme board, provided personal stories for our be the early bird campaign. Those are just two examples of the invaluable support that cancer charities provide to the NHS and the Scottish Government. More importantly, the support that they provide to people who are diagnosed with bowel cancer is a lifeline that can be huge at the most difficult of times, and I cannot express my thanks for that enough. Finally, I thank everyone for their contributions today and for their obvious passion and concern.”
“I, too, extend my thanks to Edward Mountain for securing the debate and for his on-going efforts to raise awareness of bowel cancer and bowel cancer screening. Finlay Carson just described his action as formidable, and I agree entirely with that. Many of us here will remember that members received a stoma bag from Edward Mountain to raise awareness of stoma care—I am fairly sure that mine was tied to the door handle of my office. It was extremely effective and it brought the issue home to me in a very real way. As the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray, has said, he will meet Mr Mountain to discuss the five asks for improved stoma care, and I look forward to hearing the outcomes of that meeting. I assure Edward Mountain that, as Mr Gray has already indicated, we are keen to work with him to realise his asks.”
“The UK Government has not worked with us on developing a Scottish visa or a Scottish graduate visa route, despite repeated asks. We are clear that Scotland should have an immigration system that meets Scotland’s economic and demographic needs. The best way for Scotland to do that is to be an independent country.”
“That is having a hugely damaging impact on constituencies such as mine that rely on skilled workers in health and social care. What assessment has been made of the harms that those Labour policies are having on the wider health and social care sector, including dentistry? Will the minister join me in calling for the repeal of the damaging policies by this reckless UK Labour Government? Jenni Minto: I want to let members know that, in August, I wrote to Stephen Kinnock, the Minister of State for Care, to highlight our concerns at a time of continued pressure on the dental workforce. The UK Labour Government’s decision will have consequences for hard-working people who make such a valuable contribution to our communities and our healthcare system. The Scottish Government will continue to call on the UK Government to reverse the proposals.”
“Home Office changes to skilled worker visas mean that dental care professionals such as therapists, hygienists, technicians and nurses are no longer supported. According to the General Dental Council, more than one fifth of new applicants in 2024, which is more than 2,000 workers, were from non-UK backgrounds. It is clearer than ever that the UK Government is not interested in Scotland’s healthcare sector’s migration needs. I am sure that Jackie Dunbar will agree that the only way that Scotland can create the immigration system that it needs is with full powers as an independent country. Jackie Dunbar: I totally agree with the minister. It is clear that the UK Labour Government is determined to lurch even more to the right on immigration than even the Tories did while in power.”
“Safety is the key concern, but I have to remember that the integration joint boards make those decisions. The cabinet secretary is due to meet the Patient Safety Commissioner shortly, and ministers would be happy to engage more with the community.”
“That comes despite strong opposition from the Galloway community hospital action group, which fears that the closure puts mothers and babies at risk. The group has described current maternity care in Wigtownshire as being “like something out of the Middle Ages”. Even the new Patient Safety Commissioner for Scotland, who met the group only two weeks ago, feels that there is a “gap in care”. Women are fearful, so will the minister join me and other interested parties in meeting the group to listen to its concerns directly and hear the testimonies of some of the mothers affected? Jenni Minto: I very much appreciate the dialogue that we have been able to have across the chamber on the “Women’s Health Plan”. I am well aware of the situation with maternity services in Wigtownshire, having met Finlay Carson and Emma Harper.”
“We have been speaking with women and girls, gathering evidence and consulting with interested organisations to develop the next phase of the plan. The first stage was completed in 2024, and we want to make sure that the next phase builds on that progress. I am pleased to say that work has been progressing well, and I hope that the next phase will be published in January 2026. Carol Mochan: I thank the minister for that update and for the way in which she keeps us all apprised of progress on the plan. I know that the minister will be aware of the situation regarding maternity services in Wigtownshire and the concerns around last week’s decision to keep services at Galloway community hospital closed.”
“I am aware that representations have been made by the rare diseases community, and those are being fed in. Those views will be captured in the review work, and the allocation of resources will be determined as that work progresses, in line with the Scottish Parliament’s budget work. “Women’s Health Plan” 4.”
“Emma Roddick: As the minister knows, I, too, have been engaging with Ehlers-Danlos Support UK about the many cases that it has come across in which folk have struggled to get access to diagnosis and treatment, often being bounced from one specialist to another without any conclusions. I have appreciated the minister giving her time to speak to me about that previously. Will she speak more to what resources have been allocated or are planned to be allocated for developing and implementing a pathway, whether or not it echoes the pathway in Wales? Jenni Minto: I thank Ms Roddick for the work that she has been doing to raise my awareness, and awareness more widely in the Parliament, of hypermobility conditions. As she knows, we have consulted on a long-term conditions framework.”
“I reassure members that the Scottish Government, through the Scottish rare disease implementation board and through wider engagement, is continuing our commitment to improving the lives of people living with rare conditions and enabling resources to support clinicians. Guidance on assessment and referral for hypermobility is available on Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s right decision service. I am aware that Ehlers-Danlos Support UK has been working with NHS Wales to co-produce a national pathway for those with hypermobility disorders in Wales. I am waiting to see the outcome of that work and any learning that can be applied to Scotland. We will continue to implement our action plan to support people with rare conditions in Scotland.”
“It is part of the Scottish Parliament Official Report archive and has been sent for legal deposit. Published in Edinburgh by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP All documents are available on the Scottish Parliament website at: www.parliament.scot Information on non-endorsed print suppliers is available here: www.parliament.scot/documents For information on the Scottish Parliament contact Public Information on: Telephone: 0131 348 5000 Textphone: 0800 092 7100 Email: sp.info@parliament.scot”
“Meeting a family that benefited from that is one memory that will never leave me. Thirdly, I thank Kidney Research UK, which the Scottish Government grant funds to increase awareness of living kidney donation among minority groups in Scotland, which might otherwise face challenges in equitable access to transplantation. The work of our peer educators, whom I met here in the Parliament, provides a vital service informing, educating and helping people to make choices about organ donation. Again, I thank members for their support and for their speeches, and I once more urge people across Scotland to record their donation decision on the organ donor register and to discuss their decision with their family and friends. Meeting closed at 17:40. This is the final edition of the Official Report for this meeting.”
“The second area that I draw attention to is that, earlier this year, we worked to promote living kidney donation as an excellent option for those who face the need for transplantation. That work is supported by the renal education and choices @ home programme, which is being funded by the Scottish Government. REACH, which was established in late 2022, is focused on timely education—a key component of the treatment pathway choice for all patients. The network of REACH nurse specialists in Scotland provides home visits to people with end- stage kidney disease and their key family members to give them more information on living kidney donation. That approach drives improvement in education and increases the uptake of patients who access pre-emptive living donor kidney transplantation.”
“That has taken advice from international experts and I look forward to receiving the group’s report in due course. Inputs from tonight’s debate will clearly also be part of my thought process and evidence gathering. We are aware that some families find the donation process difficult. I welcome that the NHSBT, as part of its work, will review the donor family authorisation form to seek to improve the experience of donor families and specialist nurses and help to reduce the length of the donation process. I also look forward to receiving next year’s five-year evaluation of the opt-out system, which was introduced in 2021. I am sure that there will be more learning from that.”
“I have taken that on board, I have listened to that conversation and I will be discussing it with officials after this debate. I will draw attention to three key areas of Scottish Government work that supports organ and tissue donation. First, we are working with NHS Blood and Transplant to address concerns about a decline in the pool of eligible donors, as Christine Grahame just mentioned. That is not just across Scotland but in the United Kingdom and internationally. There has also been a decline in family authorisation rates and changes in the perception of the NHS post pandemic. With the aim of seeking to explore how opportunities can be maximised to increase the number of organ donations, we created the organ donation joint working group.”
“Christine Grahame: I am grateful for the publicity on organ and tissue donation, but members who are sitting here in the Parliament did not know that it is preferable to register one way or the other. I know that we are sometimes not the brightest of the bright, but even though there is a campaign, the message is not even getting through to us. How do we step up the campaign so that it becomes common knowledge that people should help by registering one way or the other? Jenni Minto: I thank Christine Grahame for that very important intervention. My conversation at lunch time was about that issue and how we can make that more clear. We need to disseminate the message widely, including when people apply for certain things such as driving licences, so that as many people know as possible.”
“Scotland has a good record on the number of people who register their decision on the organ donor register, which I am pleased about. However, we have to do more. Working with stakeholders and using a variety of social media platforms, video on demand and digital and radio platforms, we will be emphasising the message that, if family and friends know about someone’s donation decision in advance, it will make it easier for them to ensure that that is honoured. I thank Erin and Bushra for the conversation that I had with them on that specific issue at their stand in Parliament earlier today. I also thank them for our conversation about death and the importance of sharing our wishes with our loved ones.”
“I pay huge tribute to everyone who has donated organs and to the clinicians and other NHS staff across Scotland who are involved in donation and transplantation. The Scottish Government marketing campaign for this year’s organ and tissue donation week focuses on the key message, “Don’t leave your loved ones in doubt.” The national campaign is designed to encourage people who are aged 16 and over to record their donation decision on the NHS organ donor register and to tell their loved ones about their decision. I also think that the artwork that Jackie Dunbar described is hugely important, because it is sometimes easier to bring about a difficult conversation through art. I commend the work of Shelagh Swanson and Aberdeen royal infirmary.”
“As Paul Sweeney said, we need a generous spirit, which Stephen Kerr showed, if we are to increase numbers and ensure that as many people as possible get the opportunity of a better life, or of life itself. Paul Sweeney, and other members, also spoke about the importance of discussing end-of-life care. I was pleased to launch “Palliative Care Matters for All” 10 days ago. That framework recognises the importance of having those conversations. During my time as minister, I have met people who have donated organs, the families of those who have, sadly, died and who took the decision to donate their organs, and people whose lives have been transformed by receiving transplants. I also observed a live kidney transplant operation at the Royal infirmary of Edinburgh.”
“I welcome the opportunity to participate in this debate. I thank members for their contributions, and I particularly thank Christine Grahame for lodging the motion. This week is crucial in raising awareness of the life- saving and life-changing opportunities that organ and tissue donation provides and today’s debate has made an important contribution towards that end. I pass on my love and thanks to Audrey Cameron for the decision that she and her family made about James Borland, someone who Christine Grahame described as a kind and gentle man. He was inspiring, and I thank them so much for their decision. [Applause.] Stephen Kerr spoke about comfort and selfless acts, and I thank him for being so personal in sharing his views, which can only help to ensure that we increase donor numbers.”
“I know that NHS Orkney has had access to the global citizen post for ophthalmology, which it shares with NHS Highland and NHS Western Isles, but that post is currently unfilled. NHS Orkney and NHS Highland have been working together on looking at how additional capacity can be delivered, but I absolutely recognise the concerns that have been raised. In other areas of healthcare, we are able to work across boundaries, and I hope that something similar can be worked out in this case. Asylum Accommodation (Protests) 5.”
“Liam McArthur: I am sure that the cabinet secretary was made aware, during his meeting at the Balfour, of the significant backlogs in ophthalmology appointments in Orkney. I have been contacted by constituents who are reporting waits for treatment of up to or exceeding three years. I know from my discussions with NHS Orkney that it is trying to take steps to reduce those backlogs. However, given that some patients face permanent sight loss while waiting for treatment, will the Scottish Government commit to providing additional support in the short term to help tackle those unacceptable waits? Jenni Minto: Those exact topics were discussed with the cabinet secretary when he visited Orkney in July. I am happy to consider the proposal that Mr McArthur makes.”
“During a visit to the Balfour hospital on 15 July, the cabinet secretary met with NHS Orkney’s senior team to discuss its operational improvement plan and the progress being made following our additional investment of almost £73,000 for ophthalmology. That money was allocated to NHS Orkney to ensure that no patient waits longer than 52 weeks for a new out- patient appointment or for an in-patient day case admission by 31 March 2026. Additionally, the Scottish Government commissioned the national centre for sustainable delivery and officials to meet regularly with the health board. This year, NHS Orkney has had a clinical services review and a clinically led ophthalmology peer review, which have made recommendations on the delivery of sustainable services for patients.”
“I fully understand their desire to prevent others from going through what they have been through and I would be pleased to meet them to discuss their proposals. However, I reiterate that our policies must be supported by evidence, and we will always listen to the National Screening Committee and other UK scientific organisations to ensure that we make decisions that are clinically supported. I am happy to discuss that in more detail and to listen to the family.”
“Such a policy would aim to provide genetic counselling and testing for families with a strong history of cervical cancer; introduce enhanced screening schedules— including earlier start ages—with more frequent smear and HPV testing and access to colposcopy where appropriate; and ensure that healthcare professionals and the public are aware that a family history of cervical cancer should trigger preventative action. I agreed to raise the issue on the family’s behalf. I would be grateful if the minister or the cabinet secretary agreed to meet the family. Jenni Minto: I thank Fulton MacGregor for his follow-up question and send my deepest sympathies to his constituents and the wider family.”
“Fulton MacGregor: At a recent constituency surgery, I met siblings from a family following the death of their dear mother, Lavina Gilfillan, who sadly passed away from cervical cancer. They shared with me that Lavina’s sister had been diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 21 and subsequently underwent a hysterectomy. Given that significant family history, the family believe that Lavina should have been offered enhanced screening and monitoring, but they state that that did not happen. Instead, she was diagnosed at a later, more advanced stage. The family are now considering lodging a petition with the Scottish Parliament to call for the introduction of a cervical cancer family risk and genetic screening policy.”
“Scotland’s screening policy follows United Kingdom National Screening Committee recommendations. The committee recommends cervical screening for eligible participants every five years. Although it has not recommended additional screening based on genetic considerations, women are offered more frequent screening if their previous result was positive for human papillomavirus, which indicates that they may be at higher risk. Importantly, where HPV is not detected, evidence strongly suggests a very low risk of developing cancer within 10 years. Regardless of risk factors, anyone who is experiencing cervical cancer symptoms should not wait for screening but contact their general practitioner immediately. Information on symptoms can be found on NHS Inform.”
“Meeting closed at 18:10. This is the final edition of the Official Report for this meeting. It is part of the Scottish Parliament Official Report archive and has been sent for legal deposit. Published in Edinburgh by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP All documents are available on the Scottish Parliament website at: www.parliament.scot Information on non-endorsed print suppliers is available here: www.parliament.scot/documents For information on the Scottish Parliament contact Public Information on: Telephone: 0131 348 5000 Textphone: 0800 092 7100 Email: sp.info@parliament.scot”
“It is the first programme of its kind in the UK that provides specialist key support workers who offer emotional, financial and practical support to people with cancer. Patients with cancer will be invited or referred to an improving the cancer journey service to speak to a link officer, who will complete a holistic needs assessment and generate a care plan to meet their needs. Service users will be followed by the link worker in the community, to monitor progress with agreed actions. We will continue to work with Macmillan, our other third sector partners and NHS boards to further improve the experience of people who are diagnosed with cancer. I again offer my sincere thanks to all members for their contributions in the debate and to all organisations that offer vital support services to those affected by bladder cancer.”
“Although I am proud of the continued prioritised investment to improve cancer services, we must keep reminding ourselves that at the centre of those investments and programmes are people— people who receive life-changing news when they receive a cancer diagnosis. Understanding the needs and experience of people who are diagnosed with cancer must remain at the heart of what we do. The results from the latest Scottish cancer patient experience survey show that 95 per cent of people are positive about their overall cancer care experience, which is reassuring and a positive result driven by those who deliver care in our NHS. We are working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to improve the service that we offer to patients with cancer through the transforming cancer care programme, which is worth £27 million.”
“The Scottish Government is focused on supporting our NHS and social care staff now and into the future. The wellbeing of staff remains a priority, and our workforce is central to implementing our vision and delivering the outcomes of the strategy and plan. We are working with NHS Scotland to address staffing as a matter of urgency, and we are working closely with NHS boards and clinical leads from across the country to address pressures in a sustainable way. That includes retaining staff in specialist roles and prioritising staff wellbeing, because evidence shows that positive wellbeing enhances staff retention and engagement, which in turn raises standards of patient safety and care quality.”
“Referrals are closely monitored to ensure that capacity and support are available for those on an urgent suspicion of cancer pathway, including for bladder cancer. The Scottish Government recognises that bladder cancer and urological pathways are some of our most challenged. That is why regional networks are developing improvements related to workforce recruitment and maximising capacity across the existing workforce. We are directing more than £14 million of the £110 million planned care funding that was made available in 2025-26 across NHS Scotland to reduce cancer waiting times, with a focus on colorectal, urological and breast cancer as our most challenged pathways. We have also committed to additional funding of up to £10 million for chemotherapy services.”
“Scotland’s rapid cancer diagnostic services are ruling cancer in or out faster for those with non-specific symptoms, which supports our earlier cancer diagnosis vision. Additionally, we are establishing urology diagnostic hubs across NHS Scotland to provide efficient and patient- centred care for urology patients. The hubs aim to reduce the number of appointments that patients are required to attend and provide rapid access to diagnostics. There are currently seven such hubs across NHS Scotland. Just last month, the Scottish Government published the updated Scottish referral guidelines for urgent suspicion of cancer. The guidelines support primary care clinicians to identify those with symptoms that raise suspicion of cancer and to identify those who require urgent assessment by a specialist.”
“I thank Stuart McMillan, Emma Harper and Sandesh Gulhane for clearly outlining the symptoms. The Scottish Government continues to invest in a range of programmes to detect cancer earlier, because we understand that the earlier cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. That includes content on our Get Checked Early website, which highlights symptoms and advises when to seek professional advice, including for bladder cancer. The roll-out of our rapid cancer diagnostic services is a useful addition to how cancer can be diagnosed in Scotland. They provide primary care with access to a new, fast-track diagnostic pathway for patients with non-specific symptoms that raise suspicion of cancer, such as weight loss and fatigue, which can feature for those with bladder cancer.”
“Cancer remains a national priority for the Scottish Government and across NHS Scotland, which is why we published our “Cancer Strategy for Scotland 2023-2033”, along with the initial three-year cancer action plan. Our strategic aim is to improve cancer survival rates and to provide excellent, equitably accessible care. The strategy and plan take a comprehensive approach to improving patient pathways, from prevention and diagnosis through to treatment and post-treatment care. We have also developed the early cancer diagnosis vision to reduce later-stage disease by 18 percentage points by 2033. As we have heard today, raising awareness of bladder cancer and its symptoms is crucial in detecting the cancer early and improving outcomes for those who are diagnosed.”
“I give recognition and thanks to third sector organisations and groups such as Fight Bladder Cancer that provide invaluable support, help and information to people. As others have noted, the Fight Bladder Cancer website is a fantastic resource for anyone who is affected by bladder cancer. The group is part of the Scottish cancer coalition, and I thank it for the support that it gives the Scottish Government, which is very much appreciated. My conversation with the charity when it was in the Parliament was extremely helpful and informative. As Emma Harper and others have highlighted, and as I have noted, the Fight Bladder Cancer website is an incredibly important resource.”
“I, too, thank my colleague Stuart McMillan for the motion, and I welcome the opportunity to close the debate on improving bladder cancer diagnosis in Scotland. I record my appreciation of Mr McMillan’s hard work and his continued engagement and awareness raising, especially in relation to less well-known cancers such as bladder cancer. As Carol Mochan said, the debate has been very helpful in that respect, and I thank all my colleagues. On behalf of the Scottish Government, I recognise all those who are affected by bladder cancer. Adjusting to a cancer diagnosis is never easy, and I understand the impact that it has not just on the individuals who are diagnosed but on their loved ones.”
“However, I am happy to follow that up with Finlay Carson. ADHD Medication (Adults) 8.”
“In a recent response, NHS Dumfries and Galloway stated that it had not even undertaken a cost benefit analysis of the use of the new drugs, so how can we ensure that such treatments are patient centred? Jenni Minto: I thank Finlay Carson for his follow-up question, and I recognise how much I appreciated visiting a community-led pharmacy in Newton Stewart, in his constituency, in the summer. I recognise that we have to ensure that all boards have pathways to ensure that people who need obesity-reducing drugs can have them. We have been speaking directly with NHS Dumfries and Galloway, alongside other health boards that are considering how to implement such pathways, but we have so far been unable to reach an internal agreement on how to progress that through services, finance and primary care.”