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In March 2020, Scotland implemented human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as the primary cervical screening test, and increased the routine screening interval from every three years to every five. Both changes followed UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) recommendations, which were based on strong evidence that HPV causes almost all cases of cervical cancer and typically takes years or decades to do so.

The change was accompanied by guidance to explain the increased interval, and we have continued to reiterate this as part of on-going work to raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening. Considerable efforts have also continued to improve the information available for those invited for cervical screening, which includes revision of invitation letters and information leaflets and updates of NHS inform.

To date, there is no evidence that the changes made to the English programme have given rise to increased concerns in Scotland. We will, however, keep this situation under review, and consider if additional work is needed to ensure the benefits of Scotland’s cervical screening programme are communicated clearly.

It remains important that anyone who has concerns about possible symptoms of cervical cancer discusses them with their GP, even if they have not yet received an invitation for their next cervical screening appointment. In addition, anyone between the ages of 25 and 64 who did not attend their last screening appointment can ask to be screened, no matter how long ago they were last invited.

The report forecasts a continued rise in unplanned acute inpatient hospital admissions. Public Health Scotland (PHS) emphasises that this trend is not fixed and can be influenced through strategic investment, service redesign, and addressing the wider determinants of health.

The Scottish Government acknowledges the projected increase, particularly in admissions related to respiratory conditions, and is taking action. We recently published the , the and the in which we outline our shared, long-term vision for reforming and renewing health and social care services to ensure they are more sustainable, preventative, and equitable. A new Long Term Conditions (LTC) Framework is under development. This framework aims to ensure equitable and sustainable access to the services that all people with long term conditions need while allowing for targeted action on condition-specific care and support where appropriate.

Scottish Government do not hold this data. Health Boards who have a Fracture Liaison Service in place will be able to provide this information.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) recently reviewed and published an updated version of in February this year. This provides updated templates to support NHS Health Boards to consistently report and learn from Significant Adverse Event Reviews (SAER). Work is ongoing by HIS to standardise the terminology and definitions for recording SAERs.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) recently reviewed and published an updated version of in February this year. The revised framework includes an updated shareable learning template which NHS Health Boards should complete following a Significant Adverse Event Review (SAER). These summaries, which will support local and national learning, will be published on an online community of practice for NHS staff which HIS will launch later this year.

The framework is clear that those people directly affected by a significant adverse event should have the opportunity to be involved in the review process and should be made fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the event. This includes sharing the final report with the individual concerned, or their family in the event of a death.

The Scottish Government does not require NHS Health Boards to publish SAER reports more widely. It is the responsibility of the Health Boards to consider relevant legislation and guidance when releasing or publishing information.

Scottish Government officials meet with Healthcare Improvement Scotland on a regular basis to discuss the ongoing work surrounding adverse events. The most recent meeting took place on Monday 21 July.

The current project plan is on track to have this business case completed by summer 2025. Once completed it will be reviewed through the appropriate governance processes.

Scottish Government commissioned Public Health Scotland (PHS) to implement and deliver the national Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) audit.

As part of the implementation, PHS is consulting with all NHS Boards to review services currently in place across Scotland and to consider how local examples of good practice feed into a national audit and are shared across the country.

PHS is collaborating with NHS Glasgow and Greater Clyde’s (NHS GGC) South Sector team and have met with the external provider of the digital solution technology for patient identification use in their service to understand the results achieved.

NHS Boards are responsible for the services they deliver. The decision to implement an external IT system to support service delivery is therefore the responsibility of NHS Boards.

The FLS audit has been commissioned to drive improvements and support clinical decision-making in effectively evaluating gaps in osteoporosis care. This will reduce health inequalities for the people of Scotland, especially for those most at risk of fractures.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) is responsible for delivering and implementing the Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) audit. While they identified some initial recruitment-related delays, these have been addressed and completed.

PHS do not anticipate any further impact following this initial delay and progress is continuing at pace, on track and within the guidance set out by Scottish National Audit Programme (SNAP).

Public Health Scotland (PHS) is responsible for implementing and delivering the Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) audit. They are working with NHS Boards across Scotland, to provide the necessary support as they develop the audit in line with Scottish National Audit Programme (SNAP) governance.

Scottish Government expects that everyone with a long-term condition to be able to access the care and support they need to be able to live well. As such, we expect that all NHS Boards have monitoring procedures in place to manage the performance and effectiveness of their services.