Maree Todd
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Is the minister willing to consider a cross-Government approach with local authorities, because the piece-by-piece approach of the 32 local authorities currently is not working?”
“Local authorities, which manage the majority of burial grounds in Scotland, must also comply with the Equality Act 2010, including the public sector equality duty, which requires them to have regard to religious needs when delivering services, including bereavement services.”
“The Scottish Government recognises the importance of ensuring that burial provision reflects the diverse religious and cultural needs of all communities.”
“Many local authorities charge a lower fee for residents, partly to recognise their indirect contributions to the provision and upkeep of burial grounds through the council tax system. Mr Linden has identified a challenging area for his constituents.”
“CAMHS is a specialist service for children and young people who have acute mental health needs, and referrals are based on clinical judgment. Although referrals are sometimes not accepted, that does not mean that support is not available.”
“We want people to be able to access thrombectomy treatment across Scotland, no matter where they live. That is why, in our election manifesto, we committed to providing a further £25 million, on top of the more than £51 million that we have already invested, to deliver a 24/7 thrombectomy service with national coverage.”
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“On the issue of data, the carer population surveys, including for young carers, are published annually, based on the Scottish health survey. Those data are based on about four years of survey results—I am sorry: they are based on four years of results, not “about four years”, so I had better be accurate when we are talking about data—to improve accuracy. The results rely on people recognising themselves as carers, which is amplified for young carers, because the surveys are completed by adults. We are including questions on caring in the schools health and wellbeing census, and we are working to raise awareness among teachers of the importance of noting whether a student is a young carer in the SEEMiS Group’s survey.”
“We have completely transformed their role over the past few years to address health needs in school-age children at an early stage. Their work centres around 10 priority areas, one of which is young carers. We have been working with Skills Development Scotland and employers on projects such as carer positive to ensure that, when young carers are ready to join the world of work, there continues to be flexibility and support for them. All the work that I have just mentioned has been guided by young carers telling us what they need. That is why it is so important that they are here in the Parliament today, making sure that their voices are heard. We will continue to listen to young carers in shaping our work.”
“That is why we fully fund an education officer at Carers Trust Scotland and will continue to work with education colleagues to ensure that young carers are seen and supported in school. Through that collaborative work, the Scottish Government, Carers Trust Scotland and Education Scotland produce an e-learning module for all education staff to help them to better understand how they can identify and support young carers. The module is fully accredited by Education Scotland. I would be more than happy to write to the member with more details of what we are doing to support the outcome of that collaboration. It would be remiss of me not to mention school nurses, because they play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of school-age children and families in our communities.”
“I absolutely echo my colleague Colin Beattie’s point: we need more young people to be aware of that package, and if the uptake was 100 per cent, that would be great. Alongside those measures, we continue to fund the annual Scottish young carers festival. It is an amazing and important event to help young carers to have a break, to pursue new opportunities and to have fun. All those initiatives are highlighted in our national carers strategy. Now into its third year of implementation, the strategy sets out our approach to addressing issues facing carers, and our long-term vision for building a sustainable future for young carers. We recognise in the strategy that young carers’ education and their future prospects are incredibly important.”
“I will not split hairs with my colleague Brian Whittle, but primary legislation is absolutely necessary to give carers that right, rather than just to fund their breaks. Ahead of that legislation, we are increasing the voluntary sector short breaks funding in 2025-26 by a further £5 million, to a total of £13 million. That is expected to support up to 15,000 additional people, including young carers, in taking short breaks away from their caring responsibilities. As part of that, we are increasing funding for the Young Scot young carers package to £400,000 in 2025-26. That means that the package can provide more opportunities for more young carers to access some form of respite and to enjoy time with family and friends.”
“Work is already under way in many areas, including those that are linked to this year’s young carers action day’s theme and to the motion. Those outcomes are that young carers have time for themselves, are able to thrive in education and can access and succeed in employment or training opportunities. I am grateful for this opportunity to mention some of the work that we are undertaking to achieve those outcomes and to support young carers. The Scottish Government recognises the demand on young carers and is working to support their access to breaks, hobbies and opportunities for time for themselves. I have been very grateful for the cross-party support for our proposed legislation to establish a right to breaks for carers in what is now the Care Reform (Scotland) Bill.”
“At that time, I committed to engaging with my ministerial colleagues about the possibility of the Scottish Government signing up to it. Over the past year, consideration has been given to making that commitment in order to understand what it would mean for the wide range of policies across Government that are relevant to young carers. I am absolutely delighted to confirm today that the Scottish Government will be formally committing to the young carers covenant and the 10 outcomes that are contained within it. Doing that will make us the first Government in the UK to do so, and we hope that it will serve as an example to other organisations to do the same. The outcomes within the covenant align with our policies and actions, including those in our national carers strategy.”
“The contributions of young carers in Scotland are absolutely vital and are deeply appreciated, so it is really important that they receive the support that they need to take a break from their caring role, and it is equally important that they feel supported to pursue their educational and work aspirations. Like many members in the chamber, I have been honoured to hear at first hand from young carers, this morning and at last year’s Scottish young carers festival, just how important rest and respite are for them—not only for their wellbeing, but to enable them to be children, first and foremost. In a similar debate marking last year’s young carers action day, I welcomed the launch of Carers Trust’s young carers covenant.”
“On the point that Mr Balfour raised, I know that my colleague Gillian Mackay from the Green Party will be very well known to many people in the carer community. She will undoubtedly be very sorry that she is unable to attend the Parliament today because of unexpected personal circumstances. I am absolutely delighted that the Parliament has been given the opportunity to acknowledge the positive role that young carers play in their families and in our society. However, it is important that we also take time to reflect on some of the pressures that they face. This year’s young carers action day theme is “geezabreak”—that is my very best Scots, which is not bad for a Highlander.”
“I thank Paul O’Kane for initiating this really important debate regarding young carers action day, and I thank all the members for being here to discuss young carers and the absolutely vital contribution that they make to society. I value young carers action day because it not only puts a spotlight on the important issues that young carers face but allows us to hear directly from them. I am so delighted that more than 150 young carers are here in the Parliament today. It was an absolute pleasure to chat with many of them outside at the photo opportunity this morning. I am really pleased that they are speaking about what they need from us as decision makers, and that they are listening and learning about how they can create change.”
“Our equity in screening strategy and related action plan, published in 2023 and supported by a £1 million annual funding to address inequalities in uptake, cements our vision for access for all eligible individuals across the full screening pathway.”
“Can the minister outline the steps that the Scottish Government is taking to encourage women to undergo regular screenings? What action is being taken to reduce waiting lists for gynaecological appointments in NHS Lanarkshire? Maree Todd: On the issue of waiting lists, as I said in my previous answer, gynaecology will be targeted as the key priority area for additional funding throughout the next year. We are currently reviewing health board plans to clear the longest wait from that specialty. As I mentioned in answer to a previous question, the elimination of cervical cancer is within Scotland’s grasp and the cervical cancer elimination group is exploring strategies for increasing cervical screening uptake, including self-sampling, with an anticipated United Kingdom national screening committee recommendation this spring.”
“In 2024-25, we allocated more than £450,000 to gynaecology from our £30 million investment in planned care. That delivered around 3,500 additional new out- patient appointments. The 2025-26 budget will provide an extra £200 million to help to reduce waiting times and improve capacity. Gynaecology will be a key priority area. The Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, and our women’s health champion, have been meeting with clinicians to better understand the challenges; to discuss innovative solutions; and to reiterate our commitment to prioritise timely access to gynaecology services in the next phase of the women’s health plan. Clare Adamson: Regular checks are an essential part of a proactive approach to gynaecological health.”
“Where results show a low or moderate risk, patients will be offered a routine colposcopy. Without wishing to underestimate the anxiety that is experienced by those waiting on a routine appointment, and while wishing to offer reassurance, it is important to remember that fewer than one in 1,000 patients who are referred for a colposcopy are found to have a cervical cancer that requires immediate treatment. We are absolutely committed to eliminating cervical cancer. We have established an expert group, which is chaired by women’s health champion Professor Anna Glasier. Eliminating cervical cancer is within our reach, and she will provide recommendations on how Scotland can reach the targets set by the World Health Organization. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I call Rachael Hamilton for a brief supplementary question.”
“Figures from health boards this week show that some women are waiting more than eight months for further checks following an abnormal smear test. Colposcopy exams can help to identify cervical cancer, but too many women are having to wait months for those vital follow-up checks. How is the Scottish Government working with health boards to address those waiting periods and ensure that early intervention is embedded into the cervical screening process? Maree Todd: We certainly agree that the speed of colposcopy is not good enough, which is why our 2025-26 budget provides £21 billion for health and social care. To offer some reassurance, following an abnormal sample, patients at the very highest risk of cervical cancer will be referred on a fast-tracked urgent suspicion of cancer pathway for further diagnostic tests.”
“Women’s health is a priority for the Government, which is why Scotland was the first country in the United Kingdom to publish a women’s health plan in August 2021. We have started work to bring together an updated evidence base and gather views from women and girls, including the lived experience stakeholder group and from our stakeholders, with the intention of publishing the next phase of the women’s health plan in 2025. Timely access to gynaecology services will be a priority, with early discussions also indicating pelvic health and optimising future health as potential areas of focus. Claire Baker: The women-centred approach to health is long overdue, and although progress is being made, there is a way to go, including in improving human papillomavirus immunisation and cervical cancer screening.”
“I am concerned that GPs sometimes face pressure to prescribe when the assessment is sufficient and the patient is moving to the NHS, but they have not yet been accepted into the NHS psychiatry side of the shared care agreement. The challenge is that— The Presiding Officer: Please be brief, minister. Maree Todd: —if the monitoring requirements that have been set by a private provider differ from the NHS recommendations, that leaves the GP prescriber in a very difficult, and potentially unsafe, situation. Housing to 2040 (Adaptations) 8.”
“Maree Todd: As I said, we are working with local health bodies to improve services and support. The General Medical Council’s good practice guidance on shared care advises that decisions about who should take responsibility for continuing care or treatment after initial diagnosis or assessment should be based on the patient’s best interests. It is at the clinical discretion of each individual general practitioner to decide the best course of action for their patients. Although a recommendation from a private specialist does not entitle the patient to NHS prescriptions for the relevant medicine, medication can be considered as part of the shared care agreement.”
“I recognise that the significant increase in adults seeking ADHD and autism assessments across Scotland is creating challenges for services. However, a diagnosis can be crucial to receiving the right support, and I expect the situation to be resolved at the earliest opportunity. My officials are liaising with national health service boards across Scotland, including NHS Forth Valley, to understand what provision they have in place, and they are exploring how to address current issues. Evelyn Tweed: My constituent Jake has struggled with his mental health for many years. A child and adolescent mental health services professional suspected ADHD, but no formal diagnosis was forthcoming. Jake finally got a private diagnosis of ADHD, but now he cannot access NHS support. What pathways and support are available to people in that position?”
“I would be delighted to visit both sites to see the positive impact at first hand. Greenock Police Station 6.”
“Emma Harper: I was pleased to hear recent announcements that encouraged a higher uptake of physical activity for my constituents in that area—in particular, the announcement of the Stranraer water sports hub, which is expected to open in 2026, and the new indoor tennis courts development at the King George V complex in Dumfries. Will the minister join me in welcoming those significant investments to the sports sector in Dumfries and Galloway, and will she consider joining me to visit both sites to see the marked improvement that they will make for local people? Maree Todd: I absolutely welcome those significant facilities investments. Both of those developments will have such a positive impact on the local community and will provide more and better opportunities to be physically active, either on the water or on a tennis court.”
“We are working in partnership with Public Health Scotland, sportscotland and colleagues in Dumfries and Galloway to identify evidence-based actions based on our physical activity for health framework, which will improve levels of physical activity in that area. This year, sportscotland has provided £424,000 to Dumfries and Galloway Council to support its active schools programme, community sport hubs, community cycling, and coaching. Recent investment of £880,000 has been delivered through sportscotland’s sport facilities fund and cycle facilities fund, and £845,000 has been awarded via the transforming Scottish indoor tennis fund to construct a new indoor facility in Dumfries.”
“They sit alongside the vital work that third sector organisations such as Beat do to support those with eating disorders—work that we are proud to support. Like others, I use this opportunity to urge anyone who feels that they need support for an eating disorder to speak with their GP and to access the resources that have been highlighted, to ensure that they receive appropriate help as promptly as possible. I close by thanking Emma Harper again for lodging the motion for debate. I also reaffirm my gratitude and support for all the people who work tirelessly to care for individuals with eating disorders and their families. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Thank you, minister. That concludes the debate. Meeting closed at 18:36. Correction Daniel Johnson has identified an error in his contribution and provided the following correction.”
“In this financial year, we have provided just under £3.5 million across the west, east and north of Scotland to support the planning and development of regional elements of the CAMHS service specification, which aims to ensure that services meet the needs of all children and families. That includes the development of a four-bed adolescent intensive psychiatric care unit in the west of Scotland, alongside the development of intensive home treatment CAMHS services and regional pathways. The north of Scotland is leading the development of the regional intensive mental health home support, ensuring treatment closer to home and reducing psychiatric in-patient admission. Those will be vital additions to Scotland’s children’s and young people’s mental health services.”
“It would be remiss of me not to link to my earlier statement, following the recent BBC programme, which highlighted some completely unacceptable experiences of in-patient mental health care. Many of those who were featured in that programme suffered from severe eating disorders. As I set out earlier, we are taking a number of actions, with health boards and the bodies that scrutinise them, to ensure that our most vulnerable young people receive the high level of care that they deserve. I assure members that enhancing mental health services is a top priority for the Government. The core mental health standards clearly outline expectations for mental health services, including those that treat individuals with eating disorders. I will also highlight some of our wider efforts to improve support.”
“I will pick up again on the issue of stigma, because I think that it was raised by every member in their contribution. As I have said before in the chamber, it is the absolute bane of my life. Stigma around mental health issues, including eating disorders, prevents people from accessing the help that is available and to which they are entitled. We all have a collective responsibility to have open and supportive conversations about our mental health with those who are closest to us, with our communities and in our workplaces. That remains a key priority for the Scottish Government, which is why our mental health and wellbeing strategy sets out a vision for a Scotland that is free from stigma and inequality.”
“That includes people from all 14 health boards, with the highest rates of involvement coming from NHS Forth Valley and NHS Highland. I am delighted to share that we have significantly enhanced the eating disorder resources on NHS Inform, which is Scotland’s trusted and freely accessible health information platform. Those resources support individuals, families and professionals, acknowledging the challenges of living with or caring for someone with an eating disorder. The resources offer clear and reliable guidance on the different types of eating disorders and their symptoms. Crucially, they highlight that support is available and that recovery is possible. By improving access to high- quality information, we are empowering individuals and communities to take informed steps towards recovery.”
“NHS Education for Scotland offers a variety of training courses through Turas, which includes family-based therapy for eating disorders, which has been completed by 175 clinicians; cognitive behavioural therapy for eating disorders, which has been completed by 223 clinicians across CAMHS and adult services; and eating disorder assessment and management training, which has been completed by 213 clinicians. Through the funding that is allocated to Beat, we have introduced “Beyond the symptoms” training seminars for GPs and healthcare professionals to support them to identify when a patient has an eating disorder and to confidently intervene early. By the end of the financial year, Beat predicts that it will have provided training to 300 healthcare professionals.”
“There are key areas in which training needs to be improved and where training is already available that needs to be mapped out. Last month, the training on eating disorders in children and young people was updated. It now includes refreshed resources that incorporate role play. I cannot give Emma Harper a breakdown by board, but training was moved to live online delivery during 2020, and that has continued since. That enables equal access to all boards across Scotland, and we hope that they will continue to take up the offer.”
“For example, the first session focused on the intersection of eating disorders and autism, offering insights to support more tailored and effective treatment approaches. More than 100 people attended that first session in November. Recognising the value of partnership working, the network has organised regional meetings in the west and south-east of Scotland. Those bring together national health service teams, third sector organisations and private practitioners to share best practice, foster innovation and strengthen joint working across all age groups. Emma Harper is absolutely correct that it is vital that professionals feel confident in spotting the early signs of an eating disorder and understanding the complexities of the illness, which is a point that other members have raised.”
“We will support NHS boards and other partners to implement the specification, aiming to ensure that everyone who is affected by an eating disorder receives the right support at the right time, no matter where they live. That is a crucial milestone in strengthening services, improving outcomes and ensuring that no one faces an eating disorder alone. We have also established the national eating disorders network to support the implementation of the specification and the remaining recommendations from the review. The network aims to create a more integrated, person-centred approach, leading to better outcomes and ensuring that individuals receive the support that they need. The network launched a series of educational webinars for clinicians to enhance expertise in emerging areas of eating disorder care.”
“We continue to provide funding to NHS services and to the third sector, as well as working with people with lived experience to deliver the recommendations of the national review of eating disorder services. Since the publication of the review’s report, we have made real progress in delivering the short- term recommendations, and work is under way to deliver the remaining recommendations. The recent publication of the “National Specification for the Care and Treatment of Eating Disorders in Scotland” marked a major step forward in improving eating disorder care in Scotland. It provides a clear framework for supporting the NHS and community services in delivering high-quality, person-centred, safe and effective care for children, young people and adults.”
“I express my sincere gratitude to everyone across the country who works tirelessly every day to support the recovery of individuals with eating disorders and their families. As we have heard, the theme of this year’s awareness week is about raising awareness that anyone can be affected by eating disorders, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or background. Early recognition of the symptoms and timely intervention significantly improve the chances of a full recovery, so raising awareness plays a crucial role in breaking down stigma, empowering individuals to seek help sooner and ensuring that they receive the support that they need. During the past four years, we have taken significant action to ensure that those who need support for an eating disorder can receive timely access to the appropriate treatment.”
“I am grateful to Emma Harper for lodging the motion and for enabling us to have a debate to mark eating disorders awareness week. I am also delighted to welcome representatives of Beat to the gallery this evening. It is lovely to see them here. Raising awareness is crucial to understanding the significant impact that eating disorders have on individuals and their families and friends. I begin by assuring members and all those who are affected by an eating disorder that the Government continues to dedicate significant efforts and resources to ensuring that anyone who is affected receives the right support in the right place at the right time. We remain committed to improving eating disorder services in Scotland.”
“The Presiding Officer: The minister will now take questions on the issues raised in her statement. I intend to allow around 20 minutes for questions, after which we will move on to the next item of business. I would be grateful if members who wish to put a question would press their request-to-speak buttons.”
“As I have outlined, I am determined to use the expertise of relevant bodies to ensure that care and treatment in our CAMHS in-patient facilities are of the highest quality and that patients’ rights are always respected. I repeat my offer to members—if there are suggestions for how we can go further, I will seriously consider them. I have no doubt that all members will stand together in condemning instances of appalling treatment of some of our most vulnerable young people. I again commend the young people and their families for coming forward and speaking out; I do not underestimate how difficult that must have been. I am only sorry that it was necessary to do so. I treat the issues that were raised in the documentary with the utmost seriousness. It must and will result in improvements.”
“The commission is an independent body and can rightly speak for itself, but, since 2016, commission representatives have visited Skye house seven times, using a mix of pre-announced and unannounced inspections. The commission’s reports highlighted concerns and elements of positive practice. However, it is important to point out that the commission bases its findings and recommendations on observations during the limited timeframe of each visit. What is crucial is that boards act on the recommendations that are made. There must always be appropriate governance and assurance processes to ensure effective care, as well as a working culture that responds to feedback, so that care is delivered with kindness and compassion on an on-going basis.”
“I will take very seriously all resultant recommendations about how we can improve the scrutiny of our child and adolescent mental health service facilities, whether they come from the board’s on-going reviews or from the enhanced programme of visits. What we saw in the “Disclosure” film would have been deeply worrying for members across the chamber. My door is open to members who want to discuss the issue further, and I will continue to engage collaboratively with members from all parties on the matter. Before I close, I will address an issue that has been raised in relation to the role of the Mental Welfare Commission. Some reports have questioned the effectiveness of the commission’s scrutiny and have suggested that it did not pick up on issues that were raised in the programme.”
“To that end, I have asked NHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland, as the inspection body, and the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland, as the independent organisation that is responsible for providing assurance on compliance with the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, to carry out a series of visits to all three adolescent in-patient units in Scotland, plus the national child in-patient unit, as soon as possible. My view is that an independent perspective is required to provide wider assurance on care quality, patient safety and patient experience. The voices of children and young people, and their families, will be central to those visits.”
“Tomorrow, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and I will meet the chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, along with the chief executives of NHS Lothian and NHS Tayside, which also host adolescent in-patient units. I will seek further direct assurance that the issues that were raised in the programme have been addressed and that care and treatment have improved. I will also ask about the governance arrangements in place to ensure that what happened can never happen again. As the minister for mental wellbeing, I want to go even further to ensure that the units operate in the way that I expect.”
“An internal quality of care review is now in progress and will be completed by 14 March. The board is considering a range of indicators to assess current practice and drive improvement. Furthermore, an external review is being commissioned to review the care, treatment and patient experience at Skye house. The board is in the process of sourcing appropriate external expertise to undertake the review, which I expect to happen as a matter of urgency. I will carefully scrutinise the outcomes of both reviews as soon as they have taken place, and I expect NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to act immediately on any recommendations for improvement. As it would expect, I will hold the board closely to account for that.”
“Treatment decisions are difficult, but that can never be an excuse for the kind of operational culture that was described. I turn to my expectations for change. National health service boards are responsible for the quality of care that they provide. However, since I was made aware of the allegations in the programme, my officials have been in on-going contact with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. The board has given clear assurance that the issues that were raised in the programme have been dealt with in accordance with its complaints procedures and legitimate expectations of care. As soon as the board was made aware of the allegations in the programme, it undertook a rapid information-gathering exercise. Its view is that standards have significantly improved since the events that were described.”
“A well-functioning mental health in-patient facility will ensure that our most vulnerable people always receive the treatment and care that is necessary to keep them safe. Even in that context, some treatment options are a last resort. Issues that relate to nasogastric feeding, sedation and restraint require staff to make delicate judgments. Sometimes, such treatments can be the difference between life and death. By definition, they are difficult decisions for staff to make, which was acknowledged in the programme. However, what also came across very clearly was a disregard for patients’ rights by some staff who were working in the in-patient unit at the time. Inappropriate, cruel and stigmatising language was used. The young people described how they had often shown nothing other than their illnesses’ symptoms.”
“There were moving and inspiring accounts in the “Disclosure” film of how some of the young people are now studying to become nurses, doctors and psychologists. That is what recovery means, and we maximise the chance of recovery if care and treatment is timely, compassionate, evidence- based and respectful of the patient’s rights. What I found so disturbing about the documentary was the culture that was depicted. By any standards, the behaviour of some staff during the time covered fell far below basic standards of decency and compassion or what we all expect of healthcare professionals. As we saw, patients in CAMHS facilities are often acutely unwell and frequently require to be admitted for their own safety. Many are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 and not there voluntarily.”
“I want to speak directly to the young people featured in the documentary. My message to them is that their testimonies will result in change for the better. Staff in our in-patient facilities take critical decisions every day. Their obligation is to take such decisions consistently, informed by clinical evidence and with the patient’s rights and best interests central every time. Healthcare staff across Scotland demonstrate extraordinary skill and compassion, and every day, they can and do save lives. Their role supports a fundamental principle: recovery is possible. It is possible across the full range of need, from those with milder mental health conditions to those with severe and enduring mental illnesses, which includes those who are in in-patient facilities.”
“They did so articulately and movingly, but they should not have had to do so. As I said in the chamber last week, when our most vulnerable and unwell young people ask for help for their mental health, we owe them the highest standard of care and compassion. It is all too clear that what was described is completely and wholly unacceptable. It should not have happened, and we will do all in our power to prevent it happening again. Today, I will outline what must and will improve in our child and adolescent mental health units, both in regard to standards of care and system oversight. All young people who need in-patient admission for their mental health must be able to access safe, high-quality care, which must always respect their human rights and support their recovery.”
“My statement today follows a previous parliamentary question regarding the harrowing BBC “Disclosure” documentary “Kids on the Psychiatric Ward”. I am grateful to have the opportunity to expand on the answer that I gave last week. As the Parliament would expect, I must outline up front that I am unable to comment on the detail of individual cases of care and treatment. However, I want to say two things very clearly at the outset. First, I was shocked at what I saw on the programme. The accounts given by the young people about practices that they experienced were appalling and upsetting to hear. My heart goes out to them and their families. Secondly, I want to put on record my sincere thanks to those young people for having the courage to come forward and tell their stories.”
“Also, their needs change over time. In line with GIRFEC, we believe that the focus should be on identifying needs and ensuring that children, young people and their families receive the support and the appropriate adjustments that they require.”
“This time last year, the then First Minister told members in the chamber that he would personally look into the case of Cody Morrow, a then three-year-old from Bellshill, who has spent his short life waiting for NHS assessment and treatment. Cody is another year into his now four-year wait for a neurological development assessment. His mum is physically and mentally exhausted and she does not know where to turn. Why does four-year-old Cody need to wait until he is seven not to begin treatment, but just to get an assessment? Maree Todd: I absolutely appreciate the value of assessment and we are keen to explore that further as part of the system improvement, but many children and young people who present looking for assessment do not meet diagnostic criteria for a neurodevelopmental condition, although they would still benefit from support.”
“We do not currently collect waiting times data for neurodevelopmental assessments or for speech and language therapy. I recognise that neurodevelopmental assessment can be useful, but our primary focus is on improving the support that is available for children, young people and their families. I expect the national health service and children’s services to work together to implement the 2021 neurodevelopmental specification standards, which align with our getting it right for every child approach. Those standards highlight that support for children and young people should be made available on the basis of need, regardless of a formal diagnosis. Long waits for neurodevelopmental support are unacceptable. Mark Griffin: I urge the minister to take a look at the waiting times.”