NHS Lothian working to deliver 24/7 service at children's ward

Summary

The Finance and Constitution Committee take evidence from Treasury Minister Liz Truss on the fiscal framework
Extensive coverage of first minister's questions
A lunchtime member's debate focused on paternity leave
A ministerial statement is due on paediatric services at St John’s Hospital in Livingston
MSPs debate support for veterans and the armed forces community

Live Reporting

Louise Wilson and Craig Hutchison

Postpublished at 12:08 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
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Vaccine offered to over 65 year olds does provide protection says Sturgeonpublished at 12:06 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
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Ms Davidson says half a million Scots aged between 65 and 75 will not get the new vaccination and asks whether the first minister is happy with that.
Ms Sturgeon says over 75s are being prioritised, following expert advice from the JCVI.
The standard vaccine offered to those between 65 and 75 year olds still provides protection, insists the first minister.
Postpublished at 12:05 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
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Background: New flu vaccine only available to over-75s in Scotlandpublished at 12:04 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
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A new flu vaccination that is recommended for everyone aged over 65 in other parts of the UK will only be available to over-75s in Scotland.
The Fluad jab is said to be more effective in protecting older people from three different strains of flu.
But the Scottish government said it had been unable to buy enough of it in time for this year's vaccination programme.
It will therefore only be offered to those aged over 75 this year rather than everyone over 65.
Read more here.
And we're off.......................published at 12:03 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
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Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson raises the case of Harold Laing, who she says is 72 and lives in Perth and could not the get the new enhanced flu vaccination on the NHS.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon replies the new ATIV vaccine is manufactured by one supplier who cannot supply everyone over 65, which she says is an issue right across the UK.
FMQs is nextpublished at 11:59 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
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STEM apprenticespublished at 11:59 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
Tory MSP Graham Simpson queries the number of STEM apprentices, particularly in north and south Lanarkshire.
Government engaging with NHS Forth Valley primary care planspublished at 11:59 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
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Health Secretary Jeane Freeman
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman says the Scottish government is engage with NHS Forth Valley on primary care improvement plans.
Discretionary funding was provided to Aberfoyle Medical Centre and the health board is committed to retaining this funding and distributing it equitably across the area, she adds.
Mr Lockhart insists GP availability has fallen below what is required and calls for a review of national guidance on GP provision to reflect rural practices.
Ms Freeman points to the new GP contract secured with the support of the BMA.
The rural shortlife working group is also looking at any particular issues, she adds.
Aberfoyle Medical Centre GPspublished at 11:57 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
Tory MSP Dean Lockhart asks about discussions with NHS Forth Valley regarding funding for GP services at the Aberfoyle Medical Centre.
College-industry partnershipspublished at 11:57 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
SNP MSP Tom Arthur asks about partnership working between colleges and industry.
Victims surcharge being consideredpublished at 11:56 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
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Tory MSP Liam Kerr
Tory MSP Liam Kerr calls for some of the earnings of salaries of prisoners to go towards a pot of money for victims.
Mr Yousaf confirms a victims surcharge is being considered, but conversations need to progress with the UK government.
Justice secretary points to efforts to improve victims' experience of justice systempublished at 11:55 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
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Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf points to investment in organisations which contribute to the development of policy in this area.
We are also funding research to better understand the experiences of rape and sexual assault survivors, he says.
Ms Dugdale points to a constiuent, Kevin Woodburn, who lost his son on New Years Eve and has received little information on the case.
She again calls for a victims commissioner.
Mr Yousaf says, having met with a number of victims of homicide, it is fair to say we recognise there are gaps in the process for families.
Efforts are being made to improve this, as highlighted in the programme for government, he says.
Background: Sturgeon confirms justice reforms to support victimspublished at 11:55 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
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Reforms in the justice system to support victims of crime were included in this year's programme for government.
It includes pledges improve transparency around parole and ensure victims and their families are provided with more information ahead of prison release arrangements.
The Scottish government also intends to consult on improved legislation and practice for forensic medical examinations in rape and sexual assault cases.
An additional £1.5m for Rape Crisis Scotland was also announced.
Improving victims experiencespublished at 11:55 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
Labour MSP Kezia Dugdale urges ministers to consider establishing a Victim's Commissioner, and, if not, asks how it plans to learn from the experiences of victims and witnesses in the shaping of public policy.
Background: Police searced for missing Allan Bryantpublished at 11:51 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
Image source, Police Scotland
Image caption,
Allan Bryant was last seen on 3 November 2013
In 2017 we reported police investigating the disappearance of a Fife man ended the search of a house in Glenrothes without making any fresh discoveries.
Allan Bryant, 23, went missing after a night out at Styx nightclub in his home town of Glenrothes on 3 November 2013.
Officers began searching the house in Barnton Place on Friday 16 June.
Police Scotland said the property had now been returned to its owners and no further investigations would be made at the house.
Background: Missing people cases up by 1,000published at 11:50 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
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In May, BBC Scotland reports that the number of missing people reports investigated by police in Scotland has increased by almost 1,000 in the past year.
Police Scotland said it investigated nearly 23,000 cases in 2017-18, relating to about 12,500 people.
The figure was 4.4% higher than the previous year.
About a quarter of the investigations - 5,833 - involved just 300 people, each of whom had been reported missing at least 10 times.
Read more.
Framework central to ensuring people do not go missing repeatedlypublished at 11:49 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
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Commmunity Safety Minister Ash Denham turns to answer Jenny Gilruth's question
Commmunity Safety Minister Ash Denham says the framework is central to ensuring people do not go missing repeatedly.
Investment has also been made in the Missing People charity, she adds.
Ms Gilruth raises the local case of Allan Bryant, a missing man from Fife and the minister offers to meet with the member.
Missing persons frameworkpublished at 11:47 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
SNP MSP Jenny Gilruth seeks an update on the Implementation Plan in the National Missing Persons Framework for Scotland.
Time flies when you're having fun...............published at 11:45 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
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Government will work with partners so areas along Clyde 'flourish'published at 11:43 British Summer Time 27 September 2018
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Finance Secretary Derek Mackay
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay says the government will work with private and public partners along the River Clyde.
Mr Gibson asks about support for Hunters.
The cabinet secretary says it is important to create the right environment for economic opportunities to flourish and he accepts the strategic importance of Hunters.
"There is immense opportunities there."