The health committee will begin by examining the Public Services Reform (The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman) (Healthcare Whistleblowing) Order 2020 [draft].

Committee convener Lewis Macdonald welcomes:

• Health Secretary Jeane Freeman
• Stephen Lea-Ross from the Scottish government
• John Paterson from the Scottish government
• Rosemary Agnew, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman

The draft order aims to improve the exercise of public functions of health service bodies.

The instrument also amends the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 (‘the 2002 Act’) to extend the ability of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) to investigate complaints made about healthcare whistleblowing matters.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman will shortly be quizzed by the committee as part of its 'Health Hazards in the Healthcare Environment, external' inquiry.

The inquiry was launched following incidents at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and latterly, issues at Edinburgh’s new sick kids hospital.

Read the committee papers here., external

But first the health secretary will discuss the Public Services Reform (The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman)(Healthcare Whistleblowing) Order 2020 [draft] with MSPs.

Welcome to BBC Scotland's coverage of the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 19 November 2019.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman will be discussing hospital safety with the health committee this morning, following issues at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Edinburgh’s new sick kids hospital.

Afterwards the committee will continue its primary care inquiry, taking evidence from patients.

Image source, Getty Images

After topical questions on the budget, NHS staff shortages and fire safety, there will be a statement on International Year of Plant Health 2020.

Then MSPs debate sea fisheries and end year negotiations with the EU.

Finally, SNP MSP Stuart McMillan will lead a debate to mark road safety week.