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The Integration Joint Boards (IJB) Chief Officers Group is currently working to build a picture of which IJBs have formally adopted the terms set out in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) since its agreement earlier this year.

Although this work concluded earlier this year at a national level, timescales associated with local adoption of the MOU are expected to vary depending on the existing arrangements between individual Hospices and IJBs.

As set out in the Scottish Governments Rights, Respect and Recovery strategy we continue to support Harm Prevention work on a national level; this includes the potential provision of naloxone to first responders such as the Police.

Dialogue is ongoing between the Scottish Government and Police Scotland, with the latter recently establishing a short life working group to address; along with partners, the subject of Police access and carriage.

NHS construction project typically cover more than one financial year, so in order to provide a more meaningful overview of capital investment projects, the Scottish Government developed the Infrastructure Investment Plan. This plan provides regular updates every six months on progress including timescales and costs. In addition to the publication of the plan and the major projects update, the Scottish Government discuss progress each year with the Public Audit and Post Legislative Scrutiny Committee at the Scottish Parliament.

The Infrastructure Investment Plan and supporting documents can be accessed at:

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An extensive and effective campaign was put in place in July, asking parents and patients to continue using the Sciennes building until further notice. Teams were put in place in case patients mistakenly turned up at the new site. A helpline was also created and remains in place although demand / usage of this helpline has recently been very low. Patients with follow up appointments in the coming months will receive appointment details to attend the RHSC at Sciennes. Once a new opening date is confirmed, NHS Lothian will undertake a full campaign similar to that which was carried out to promote the original planned opening in July.

The Scottish Government welcomes the development in advanced medicinal products for individual patients and their transformative potential offering the possibility of long term remission.

With this in mind, the Government encourages proposals from manufacturers that can help the NHS to achieve best value for new medicines, including proposals that involve reimbursement based upon recorded patient outcomes.

The Scottish Government complies with the terms of any Parliamentary Motions it is required to under statute. The Government has made clear that it will give careful consideration to all decisions of the Parliament and will be accountable for any consequential action it proposes to take.

NHS Research Scotland (NRS) supports clinical research studies and clinical trials, including those involving gene therapy, from the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical technology industries through a simplified, single point of access to Scotland’s clinical research infrastructure, including world-class facilities, expert investigators and well-characterised groups of patients.

More details on the role of NRS and how it supports clinical research activity in Scotland can be found at: .

NHS boards are required to make every effort to ensure the safety of patients' belongings while they are in hospital, and to have appropriate security arrangements in place. The Scottish Government welcomes suggestions to further increase safety arrangements, and will continue its work with NHS Boards to consider potential improvements that can be made.

The Scottish Government does not hold this information centrally. Information regarding how much has been spent on new medicines should be directed to individual NHS Boards.

My officials & I have met regularly with representatives from NHS Lothian regarding the opening of the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-24250 on 20 August 2019. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at .