Tom Arthur
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“I am advised that Transport Scotland officials responded to the South West of Scotland Transport Partnership in June 2023 to confirm that the outcome of its review of SWestrans’s Beattock and Moffat transport appraisal report was that a robust business case had not been made for a Beattock station to be progressed further in the developme…”
“David Kirkwood: Given the 2028 opening of the River Tweed trail—the long-distance path that will start in Moffat, the jewel of the south, and run 113 miles to Berwick-upon-Tweed—and the probable extension of the Clydesdale way into Moffat a few years later, it is likely that more than 300,000 additional cyclists and walkers will visit the…”
“As the First Minister set out, the Scottish Government will invest in essential infrastructure across Scotland, including new train stations and ongoing electrification of our rail network.”
“First, I welcome colleagues across the chamber who join me in condemning the violence, xenophobia and racism that were experienced right here in the streets of our capital on Friday last week. There is no place for violence in the streets, homes, or communities of Scotland—whether it be race based, faith based or otherwise.”
“Scotland is a place that values hope, tolerance and solidarity—values that are shared both by people who were born here and by those who have privileged us by choosing to make Scotland their home. I hope that those values are shared by those who are fortunate enough to be in the chamber.”
“The Scottish Government had initially, on 15 June, lodged a legislative consent memorandum with the Parliament stating that we would not consent to the bill, due to the UK Government having not agreed to our proposals that it have appropriate regard to devolution.”
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“Neil Bibby: I bet that funding pressures were discussed because, despite the welcome £5.7 million of support that was announced by Renfrewshire Council last week, the health and social care partnership still faces a significant budget shortfall. That means that the closure of the disability resource centre in Paisley, cuts to the autism connections programme and the merger of day centres for adults with learning disabilities are still on the table. Information from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities shows that the Scottish Government’s underfunding of social care has resulted in an estimated £497 million funding gap for integration joint boards across Scotland this year.”
“Scottish Government ministers and officials meet regularly with representatives of health and social care partnerships. A Scottish Government official met the chief officer of Renfrewshire health and social care partnership on 17 February this year, when local financial pressures were discussed. A follow- up meeting between officials, the chief officer and the chief financial officer is scheduled for 13 March this year. A Renfrewshire health and social care partnership representative also attended the collaborative response and assurance group on Monday 24 February this year. The meeting focused on delayed discharge performance.”
“That funding will be sustained in 2026-27, following the passing of the Scottish Government’s budget. The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills and I recently met Dyslexia Scotland to discuss those issues. We will have further engagement. Walk-in General Practitioner Clinics (Location Criteria) 6.”
“Adult assessments and early intervention along with teacher training and school support are key asks of Dyslexia Scotland’s manifesto. Can the minister confirm that the Scottish Government will commit to addressing those issues in the next parliamentary session? Tom Arthur: The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that all children, young people and adults with dyslexia receive appropriate support to reach their full potential. The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills asked Janie McManus to conduct a short, sharp review of additional support for learning in schools. That will report before the end of the parliamentary session. Local authorities spent more than £1.1 billion on additional support for learning in 2024-25, and additional funding was provided in 2025-26 to support the ASN workforce and teacher numbers.”
“As part of building a fairer, more inclusive Scotland, the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that all children, young people and adults with dyslexia receive the support that they need to reach their full potential. There are clear duties on education authorities to identify, provide for and review the additional support needs of school pupils. In relation to adults and employment, our fair work approach ensures that disabled people, including those with dyslexia, get the support that they need at work without an adult assessment, including through the access to work scheme and working health services Scotland. Rona Mackay: Around one in 10 people in Scotland are dyslexic. Without meaningful reform, too many people will be disadvantaged in a perpetual cycle.”
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“I will endeavour to circulate those to all members of the Parliament, to ensure that as many people as possible can access the right support as soon as possible. I again thank Elena Whitham for lodging the motion for debate, and I thank all members for their contributions. Of course, I very much recognise that we still have work to do to deliver on the recommendations from the national review. However, I assure all those in the chamber and those listening that improving support for those with an eating disorder is a top priority for me and for this Government. Meeting closed at 20:45. This is the final edition of the Official Report of this meeting. It is part of the Scottish Parliament Official Report archive and has been sent for legal deposit.”
“That work focuses on strengthening home-based alternatives to hospital admissions, improving co- ordination across boards and ensuring that young people who can be safely supported at home are able to access timely specialist care in their own communities. Those will be vital additions to Scotland’s children and young people’s mental health services, and 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. I take this opportunity to encourage anyone who might need support for an eating disorder to speak with their GP and to make use of the resources that I have highlighted today.”
“Scottish Government funding for Beat also supports training to further build the understanding of eating disorders among clinicians, educators, healthcare professionals, academics and people who are out in the community providing support. I will highlight some of our wider efforts to improve support. Over the past two years, we have provided just over £4.5 million across the west, east and north of Scotland to support the development of regional elements of the CAMHS service specification. That work is helping to strengthen pathways, workforce capacity and alternatives to in-patient care. In the north of Scotland, that includes the progression of intensive home treatment programmes.”
“Strengthening eating disorder training for health and social care professionals is also a priority, to ensure that they can recognise early signs of eating disorders and understand the complexity of those conditions. The Scottish Government has been working with NHS Education for Scotland to enhance and expand the eating disorder guidance, training and evidence-based resources that are available on Turas. Work is progressing to produce primary care training videos that focus on recognising and communicating physical risk. We have sought input from Beat’s lived experience panel, to ensure that the content is realistic and sensitive.”
“I wonder whether, during the course of this week, the minister could send all those links to every single member in this place and try to ensure that those links are also circulated more widely in the community, so that we can up the number of folk who access those pages, which I agree are valuable. Tom Arthur: Mr Stewart makes a constructive and helpful suggestion, and I am happy to commit to take it forward. Implicit in his point is the recognition that, although it is one thing to have excellent resources and to acknowledge that they are being utilised, it is another to ensure that we are maximising their use, so that everyone who can benefit from them truly has the opportunity to do so.”
“The majority of those resources are now available on NHS Inform, and work is on-going to finalise a digital page to support positive body image and a self-help guide for binge-eating behaviours. Over the past few months, the eating disorders pages have collectively been viewed more than 23,000 times. By enhancing access to high-quality information, we are enabling individuals and communities to make informed choices on their path to recovery. Kevin Stewart: I pay tribute to the work that has gone on to develop some of the online resources, but sometimes we do not get the messages out there.”
“It provides a clear framework to support the NHS and community services in delivering high-quality, person-centred, safe and effective care for children, young people and adults. Recent self-assessment tools completed by health boards highlight encouraging progress and innovative approaches and give us a clearer picture of how implementation of the specification is developing across Scotland. We continue to support NHS boards to implement the specification through the national eating disorders network. The network was established in 2024 to progress medium-term and long-term recommendations from the national review. Through Scottish Government funding, the network has also supported the development of public-facing resources, including content pages and videos that feature people with lived experience, clinicians, parents and carers.”
“This financial year alone, we have provided the organisation with more than £600,000, which includes funding for its lived experience panel. That vital platform helps to ensure that eating disorder policy and services are truly fit for purpose, and it has played a crucial role in driving forward the recommendations from the national review of eating disorder services. Since the publication of the review, we have made real progress in delivering the short-term recommendations, and significant work is under way to deliver the remaining medium-term and long-term recommendations. The national specification for the care and treatment of eating disorder services was published, as we have heard, in November 2024.”
“We are working closely with NHS boards and third sector organisations such as Beat, the UK’s largest eating disorders charity, to ensure that those who require support for an eating disorder have access to the right care and treatment. Over the past five years, we have made meaningful progress to ensure timely and appropriate treatment for those impacted by an eating disorder. There is support across Scotland for children, young people, adults, families and carers, and we continue to provide funding to NHS services and the third sector, as well as working with people with lived experience, which, as Mr Stewart highlighted, is so important. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, we have funded Beat to deliver a wide range of services, including direct support, carer programmes, professional training, advocacy and digital learning platforms.”
“We welcome the opportunity to celebrate the strength of community and the important role that families, friends and wider support networks play in helping someone to feel supported through their journey, from seeking help to undergoing treatment and beyond. I also express my sincere thanks to those across Scotland who work each day to support the recovery of those with eating disorders and their families, and I extend those thanks to those in the gallery who are attending this evening’s debate. I assure Elena Whitham and members across the chamber this evening that this Government remains committed to improving eating disorder services in Scotland.”
“I am extremely grateful to Elena Whitham for lodging the motion and securing this debate to mark eating disorder awareness week. I also put on record my gratitude for the contributions from Emma Harper, Maurice Golden, Carol Mochan and Kevin Stewart. I pay particular tribute to Mr Stewart for his outstanding work in this area and for his leadership and drive when he held the portfolio that I am currently honoured to hold. I recognise his on-going commitment, which he touched on in his speech. For many years, we have been hearing the same voices, and I want to assure the chamber that those voices are being heard. As we have heard today, the theme of this year’s eating disorders week is community.”
“The draft budget that is before Parliament commits more than £15.7 billion to local government and almost £22.5 billion to health and social care. Decisions for integrated joint boards are, of course, for those boards to take. That is the view that the Parliament ultimately came to about where responsibility and accountability should lie. However, the Government is, of course, committed to on-going engagement and, through the annual budget process, there is always the opportunity for members of all parties to put forward their views on the overall allocation of resources to both local government and health and social care.”
“As a Renfrewshire MSP, the minister will know that there are, in Renfrewshire alone, proposals to cut respite support, cut support for those with autism and close vital facilities, such as the disability resource centre in Paisley. After public pressure, decisions on those proposals have been delayed until June—after the election. The First Minister has refused my request to step in and stop those cuts, and the Scottish Government’s budget does nothing to help in the social care crisis. Why is the Government not doing anything to prevent those cuts, which will impact on the most vulnerable people in Renfrewshire? Tom Arthur: I thank Mr Bibby for bringing those important matters to the chamber. Government officials and ministers, including the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, are committed to on-going engagement.”
“Scottish Government ministers and officials meet regularly with representatives of all health and social care partnerships. The Renfrewshire health and social care partnership representative attended the collaborative response and assurance group on Monday this week. The meeting focused on delayed discharge performance. Scottish Government officials met the Renfrewshire health and social care partnership on 8 April 2025. A number of issues were discussed, including local system pressures, financial challenges and engagement. Neil Bibby: Social care is in crisis under the Scottish National Party, and vulnerable people across Scotland are paying the price.”
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“Finally, I give my sincere thanks to organisations such as Anthony Nolan that provide valuable information, help and support to anyone who is undergoing cell therapy as part of their cancer treatment. We will continue to work closely with the third sector, including Anthony Nolan and community and social care partners, to deliver the right care at the right time for the people of Scotland. I reiterate my sincere thanks to Bill Kidd for his tireless work in this area and for bringing this important motion to the chamber. Meeting closed at 18:58. This is the final edition of the Official Report of this meeting. It is part of the Scottish Parliament Official Report archive and has been sent for legal deposit.”
“As well as supporting programmes of work that specifically focus on psychological support for people affected by cancer, the Scottish Government published the mental health and wellbeing strategy and accompanying delivery plan and workforce action plan. The strategy commits to improving mental health outcomes for all, including people with long-term physical conditions, and prioritises reducing inequalities. Since 2020, we have invested £164 million in community-based supports for adults and children. That support will continue, with a baseline of £15 million going to local authorities every year and £15 million in funding for projects for adults in 2026-27 as part of the fairer funding pilot. Both funds provide much-needed focus on early intervention and prevention, delivering tailored support to keep people mentally healthy.”
“Just as the Anthony Nolan research focused on patients’ reported experience, the Scottish Government is committed to supporting the development and use of patient-reported outcome measures in Scotland. Capturing PROMs in routine cancer care can help to monitor the impact of treatment on quality of life, improve discussion with patients, inform treatment decisions and transform care pathways that impact the value and sustainability of cancer care. Further, the Scottish Government’s communities mental health and wellbeing fund for adults has provided funding to a range of initiatives, including cancer-specific projects delivered by the Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow, Team Jak in West Lothian and Western Isles Cancer Care.”
“That is why we have invested in the £27 million partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to roll out the improving the cancer journey service nationally. As part of that programme, each patient will receive a holistic needs assessment to generate a care plan to meet the needs that are identified. In addition, our single point of contact pilots are improving access to care and timely reporting of results, and are supporting people to navigate complex cancer pathways, as well as placing individuals firmly at the centre of decisions and actions that affect them. The pilots have had more than 30,000 patient interactions, freeing up more than 3,900 hours of clinical nurse specialist time and, crucially, improving experiences. We are actively considering how to best scale up that approach to benefit all patients with cancer in Scotland.”
“Through the Scottish Medicines Consortium, we have a robust and independent process for assessing the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of new medicines, which ensures value for patients and the NHS. We have committed to additional funding for chemotherapy services, reaching up to £10.5 million a year by 2027, with £3 million released in 2023-24, £4.6 million released in 2024-25 and £6.6 million in 2025-26. That funding will support increased regional working and workforce recruitment and will maximise capacity across the existing workforce through initiatives such as non- medical prescribing and treatment closer to home. Of course, as we have heard, cancer care is not just about treatment. Facing an unknown journey is daunting, and people need emotional, practical and sometimes financial support.”
“Their introduction requires co-ordinated planning across clinical services, data, logistics and workforce. CAR-T is, as we have heard, one of those advanced therapies. The treatment is personalised for individual patients, meaning that their immune system is no longer compromised in the same way as it is with traditional cell therapies, offering patients a more targeted and potentially less burdensome treatment. Such treatments for cancer are often provided in tandem with other chemotherapy services. Access to those medicines is vital for patients with cancer. The Scottish Government remains firmly committed to ensuring access to medicines that the people of Scotland need.”
“Our cancer strategy for Scotland in 2023-33, supported by our initial cancer action plan for 2023 to 2026, will help us to get there. The latest statistics show that the risk of dying from cancer in Scotland is at a record low. However, we know that we must do more, at a greater pace, to improve survival rates and support for those who are affected by cancer. I recognise the significant physical and mental impacts that cell therapies can have on individuals. As we have heard, the immunocompromising nature of the treatment means that patients must isolate, unable to work or socialise, while managing not only the physical side effects but the anxiety of waiting to find out whether the treatment has been successful. Advanced therapies are transforming treatment pathways, particularly for rare conditions and cancers.”
“I thank my colleague Bill Kidd for bringing the motion to the chamber. I pay tribute to him for his years of tireless support, advocacy and work on behalf of Anthony Nolan, which I know has been recognised. He is a tremendous ambassador for the charity and an example to us all of how to champion a cause. I certainly draw inspiration from Bill’s work, and I am sure that many in the chamber do, too. I also thank Fulton MacGregor, Sandesh Gulhane and Carol Mochan for their important contributions to the debate. Cancer remains a priority for the Scottish Government, and our ambition is clear: to prevent more cancers, reduce the impact of diagnosis and deliver compassionate, consistent services that improve outcomes and survival rates.”
“In such situations, I recognise that clinicians must balance providing timely support with their responsibilities on safe prescribing and the limitations of assessment when active substance use is involved. However, we want every young person to be able to access the support that they need, when they need it, whether it be for neurodivergence issues, substance use issues or both. The Deputy Presiding Officer: I will take a couple of supplementaries, as long as they are brief.”
“However, many of my constituents and other young people are caught in a revolving-door situation whereby they are denied attention deficit hyperactivity disorder assessments until they are substance free, even if their substance use amounts to self-medication. Can the minister confirm that the task force will specifically address the dual-diagnosis barrier and ensure that addiction is never used as a reason to deny or delay an ADHD diagnosis? Tom Arthur: I thank Rona Mackay for her supplementary question and her on-going interest in the area. To respond directly to her points, although the task force’s focus is primarily on children and young people, and although significant substance-use difficulties are less common in that group, we recognise that there will be a small number for whom that aspect is relevant, including those with ADHD.”
“The children and young people’s neurodevelopment task force was set up in partnership with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities last autumn, following review of the implementation of the national neurodevelopmental specification for children and young people. The specification sets out the standards that all services in Scotland should follow to ensure that children and young people receive the neurodevelopmental support that they need, when they need it. The task force is supporting work to deliver the improvements identified in the review to progress implementation of the specification throughout Scotland. Rona Mackay: I welcome the work of the task force.”
“How will the voice of people with lived experience be heard in relation to that issue, and where will it implement policy? Tom Arthur: At Scotland’s first summit on neurodevelopmental support—held, as I said, on 15 December—the focus was on improving our shared understanding of the complexity of neurodevelopmental needs and the actions that are required to improve access to timely, consistent and neuro-affirming support. I was pleased that there was political consensus on a number of issues, and I am considering how we take that forward. Lived experience was shared generously by neurodivergent attendees, and I will ensure that neurodivergent people, their families and front-line staff continue to inform and shape our policy approach.”
“The Scottish Government welcomes the report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists on future provision for neurodevelopmental support in Scotland. I agree that demand for neurodevelopmental assessment and support now far exceeds what Scotland’s mental health infrastructure can deliver and that a different response is needed. The Scottish Government is committed to driving forward improvements to address that complex issue. To support us in that work, the royal college is a member of our children and young people’s neurodevelopmental task force, and it participated in the cross-party summit on neurodevelopmental support that I hosted on 15 December. Paul McLennan: The summit brought together people from clinical services, education, the Government, academia and policy. What key points were raised at the summit?”
“As is outlined in the service renewal framework, telecare, remote monitoring and digital prescribing will improve access, efficiency and integration, which will support the provision of care closer to home for an ageing population. Those innovations will require a workforce with the necessary training and digital tools, and we will work with academia and industry to ensure that our workforce is appropriately resourced with the necessary skills as new technologies and innovations emerge.”
“The minister will be well aware that Scotland has a uniquely long and substantial body of data on its healthcare, and of the integrity of that data. What consideration is being given to the workforce skills that are required to support such technologies; to the role of colleges, such as Forth Valley College, in delivering the training; and to the opportunity that should exist for institutions to work in partnership with their local health boards in order to deliver those changes? Tom Arthur: I thank Keith Brown for raising those important issues. I assure him that the Scottish Government views emerging technologies as key to a digital first approach.”
“Through our service renewal framework and population health framework, we have set out a long-term approach for the reform and renewal of health and social care in Scotland. Those frameworks prioritise prevention and early intervention to reduce future demand. We will guide national planning to meet changing demographic needs while tackling health inequalities so that services remain sustainable and responsive for the whole population. Implementing those changes will deliver significant improvements in how people of all ages access and experience care and support across Scotland. Keith Brown: What role does the minister see for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence-assisted care planning, digital monitoring, robotics and telehealth in transforming health and social care for an ageing population?”
“Tom Arthur: I thank Humza Yousaf for raising that important issue. I join him in recognising how vital community projects are in helping to reduce isolation and loneliness for people across Scotland. On Tuesday, I saw the good work of the Willowacre Trust, in Cowlairs, in Glasgow, which helps people of all ages to connect. That is just one of thousands of projects that are being supported through our communities mental health and wellbeing fund. With regard to looking towards the budget, in recognising the pressures that are facing the third sector, we are seeking to extend multiyear funding arrangements. I am delighted that, as part of the fairer funding pilot, we have already committed a further £15 million to our communities fund for next year.”
“It can quite literally be a killer. We know that thousands of Scots, including many in our elderly community, in particular, will face the festive period alone. That is why the work of community groups such as the South West Arts and Music Project in my constituency is so vital. From its fun-time Fridays through to Christmas lunches and craft workshops, SWAMP ensures that our elderly know that they are always part of a community. However, many organisations such as SWAMP face financial challenges. Will the minister acknowledge the important role that the third sector plays in tackling loneliness, the cost of which would otherwise be picked up by the national health service? Will he reflect that in the budget conversations that he is having with the finance secretary in the run-up to the Scottish budget?”
“We recognise that loneliness can affect anyone, with negative impacts on health and wellbeing. It can be particularly difficult at this time of year. Our social isolation and loneliness strategy and delivery plan are supported by a dedicated three-year fund that provides £3.8 million to 53 community projects across Scotland. That is complemented by our investment of £81 million since 2021 in the communities mental health and wellbeing fund for adults, which includes awards for more than 4,500 projects that focus on reducing isolation and loneliness. Our mind to mind website and campaign also encourage people to talk to others about how they are feeling. Humza Yousaf: I thank the minister for that comprehensive response. He references the important health impacts that loneliness can have on an individual.”
“When it comes to understanding any data, we would not want to limit ourselves to sex, as important as that is for the reasons that Michelle Thomson set out about different presentations, such as when it comes to masking, for example; those are important points but, as has been touched on by other members, we also need to understand the socioeconomic implications. There is a lot that we have to do on data, and I recognise that. I will close by again thanking members for their contributions. I look forward to working constructively with members of all parties, and wider partners, to improve our response. The Deputy Presiding Officer: That concludes the debate. 13:34 Meeting suspended. 14:00 On resuming— Portfolio Question Time Climate Action and Energy, and Transport”
“It requires a response that involves the whole system and all of society but, ultimately and most important, is also focused on the needs of the individual. Michelle Thomson rose— Tom Arthur: I was intending to conclude, but I am happy to take an intervention. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Make it very brief. Michelle Thomson: It will be extremely brief. I genuinely consider it imperative that data is disaggregated by sex, for the reasons that I have outlined. Is the minister able to commit to that? Tom Arthur: That absolutely needs to be considered as part of the process.”
“The point about data is important. However, I will ask him about pathways, because there are clear and specific steps for having a consistent four-stage pathway. Most critically, it is about requesting SIGN guidance for ADHD and, most fundamentally, looking at who can prescribe and at what point in the system they can do so. Has the minister asked his officials to look at those specific points? Tom Arthur: All the issues that Mr Johnson has related are part of the wider considerations. As was touched on, a summit is coming up on Monday at which we will have an opportunity to discuss a lot of the issues in more detail. I have noticed the time, Presiding Officer. I have now gone over what was allotted to me. Again, I thank members from across parties for their contributions. The challenge is significant.”
“Improving data is essential if we are to plan effectively, understand unmet need and support targeted investment. Daniel Johnson rose— Tom Arthur: Before I take an intervention from Daniel Johnson, I will say that work is already under way with health boards and local authorities to understand that data, including what data is currently collected and how we can move towards a more coherent national approach. On the points that Dr Gulhane raised, I am happy to confirm to him that I have continued my on-going engagement directly with health boards. Indeed, I met a health board just this morning and spoke at length about the importance of neurodevelopmental support and an understanding of the particular challenges and pressures that are faced. I give way to Daniel Johnson. Daniel Johnson: I am grateful to the minister for giving way.”
“However, as I have said, we need to do that with sensitivity and rigour, recognising the complex and diverse nature of the issue. Members have raised the importance of pathways, including adult pathways. We are committed to ensuring that adults receive support that is as consistent and responsive as possible. Recent work is helping us to move firmly in that direction. That is why we have fully accepted the recommendations of the adult neurodevelopmental pathways report and are working with partners on implementation. Our autistic adult support fund and our investment in the national autism implementation team are already supporting more flexible, needs-based approaches for adults across Scotland. Rightly, members have emphasised the lack of robust national data.”
“In emphasising the importance of a needs-based approach, I want to be absolutely crystal clear that I recognise the importance that is placed on diagnosis. I would not want my remarks to be misconstrued in any way, whether unintentionally or intentionally, nor to be suggestive of any language that relates to notions of overdiagnosis. I want to be very clear about the approach. My focus is on ensuring that people can access support as quickly as possible and that diagnosis should not act as a barrier to or means of gatekeeping that. I recognise that, for many, great importance is placed on diagnosis for identity and self-understanding and, in some cases—when it comes to ADHD in particular—for access to medication. We recognise the need to address all those issues quickly.”
“The review identifies short, medium and long-term actions to support children’s service partners to deliver the specification more effectively. To drive that important work forward, we have established a new cross-sector task force, jointly chaired by senior leaders from education and health. Its purpose is clear: to accelerate and co- ordinate systems-wide improvement, drawing on lived experience, clinical expertise and good practice across Scotland. Brian Whittle: I have listened intently to what the minister has said. I agree with much of it, but I caveat that getting a diagnosis involves an element of relief for many people, who then recognise that they need to deal with something. There is a relief and a mental health issue in getting a diagnosis. Tom Arthur: I appreciate the problems.”
“For children and young people, the national neurodevelopmental specification sets a clear expectation that support should begin on the basis of need and should not be contingent on a clinical diagnosis. Implementation has undoubtedly been challenging in the face of rising demand, but we have already taken significant steps. We have invested in service pilots, in the testing of digital assessment tools and in family support initiatives, and we are working to strengthen multi-agency pathways, building around our getting it right for every child national approach. We have also published the joint review of the implementation of the national specification, jointly carried out by Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.”
“We appreciate that waiting for assessment or support can be challenging, but we are working hard to make that experience better for individuals and families. A diagnosis can be profoundly important to a person’s identity and understanding of themselves. For some, particularly those seeking ADHD medication, it is essential. Diagnosis alone is not the solution, however. A traditional NHS waiting-list model cannot meet the scale or complexity of the need that we now face. I have heard from many experts about the risks in overmedicalising our response. As the royal college has emphasised, a co-ordinated multi- agency response is required, focusing on timely, needs-based support from the outset.”
“Those principles strongly echo our own approach, and they reflect the perspective of professionals, families and communities, whose voices must continue to shape the way forward. Members are absolutely right to highlight the unprecedented increase in demand for neurodevelopmental assessment and support. We are not alone in saying that. As I have said previously, that trend is emerging across the United Kingdom and internationally, with growing pressure on systems that were never built to manage demand on the present scale. We must meet the challenge, however, and we must do so in a way that recognises the diversity of neurodivergent people’s experiences and the complexity of the systems that they interact with across health, education and social care. Members have spoken about waiting times.”