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1. Decisions on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 4 and 5 in private.

2. Healthcare in remote and rural areas:

The Committee took evidence from—

Nicola Gordon, Policy Manager, Royal College of Nursing Scotland;

Jaki Lambert, Director, Royal College of Midwives Scotland;

Dawn MacDonald, NHS Highland Branch Secretary, UNISON;

Michael Dickson, Chief Executive, Scottish Ambulance Service.

Emma Harper declared an interest as a former clinical educator in a remote and rural area.

Sandesh Gulhane declared an interest as a practising NHS GP.

3. Healthcare in remote and rural areas (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2.

4. National Care Service (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee considered the Scottish Government's response to its letter of 7 November 2023.

The Committee agreed to recommence consideration of a draft Stage 1 report in private in January 2024.

5. Work programme (in private):

The Committee considered its future work programme.

The Committee agreed not to meet on 9 January, and to invite the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care to give evidence on the Budget 2024-25 at its meeting on 16 January.