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The Scottish Government meets with NHS Board Digital leads on a monthly basis to discuss key issues including the integration of systems and new technologies. The Digital Health & Care Strategy and associated delivery plan set out our plans to integrate and build on our existing health and care infrastructure to improve patient outcomes.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-28494 on 19 July 2024. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at /chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

NHS Scotland has not registered with the Apple Health platform and has no plan to do so. Our strategic focus is on delivering the Digital Front Door as outlined in our Digital Health & Care Strategy and associated delivery plan. This will support our ambition; to ensure people have greater access to their data and personal information securely online.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), as the safety regulator, considers there to be a robust regulatory regime covering the fire risks associated with battery energy storage systems (BESS). A range of UK Government legislation is applicable to health and safety at BESS sites including the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002; the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

When the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service receive information on BESS proposals they will consider and provide a response where appropriate.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-28344 on 15 July 2024. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at /chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-28344 on 15 July 2024. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at /chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-28344 on 15 July 2024. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at /chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

The Programme for Government will be presented to Parliament at the earliest opportunity following the UK General Election.

Provision for the regulation of independent ambulance services already exists in the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978, but Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s (HIS’) functions in relation to independent ambulance services have not yet been commenced. The commencement is being considered as part of the next phase in the regulation of independent healthcare.

Scottish Government is engaging with HIS on this topic and stakeholder engagement will be undertaken to gather first hand insight into the requirements for effective regulation of private ambulances. Additionally, the definition of an ‘independent ambulance service’ within the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 may need revised to ensure it meets current needs.

Stakeholder engagement will also be undertaken to consider appropriate and proportionate next steps, in the potential regulation of independent first aid services.

Once the scope of further regulation has been developed, a public consultation will be required.

Scottish Government is currently undertaking work with Health Improvement Scotland (HIS) to consider commencement of their functions in relation to the regulation of independent ambulances as part of the next phase in the regulation of independent healthcare.

Should these functions be commenced then, as an independent healthcare service, any service falling within the definition of an independent ambulance service could be inspected using the powers in the Healthcare Improvement Scotland (Inspections) Regulations 2011.

An official body to carry out audits and inspections will be specifically considered as part of any work on the potential regulation of private first aid companies.

Firefighter training and the provision of precautionary advice is an operational matter for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have provided reassurance that all necessary training is provided to staff, to ensure they appropriately manage any incident, including those at recycling and electronic recycling centres.