Scottish Government – Page 19 – The NEN

Patients across Scotland benefit from digital dermatology service

New process will cut waiting times and support earlier skin cancer diagnosis

Patients at all GP practices in Scotland are benefiting from a digital dermatology service designed to reduce waiting times and improve outcomes.

Since the national rollout in September, GPs have referred more than 12,000 patients. It is estimated that up to 130,000 dermatology referrals a year could be made this way, reducing demand on dermatology waiting lists by up to 50%.

The national rollout has been funded by £1.8 million from the Scottish Government through the Accelerated National Innovation Adoption (ANIA) initiative.

GPs can now securely send images of a patient’s skin condition to dermatology specialists for analysis using a mobile device. An initial assessment of the condition is done digitally, and patients are then offered a face-to-face appointment, directed to a more suitable service, or given advice on managing their condition.

Around half of annual dermatology referrals are for suspected skin cancer, and the new service means that cancer can be ruled in or out more quickly – providing either earlier relief or diagnosis for patients.

Early melanoma diagnosis is vital for patient outcomes. At stage one, almost all patients live five years or more, compared to only 50% at stage four.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Digital dermatology is a fantastic example of how innovation is improving access to healthcare and delivering our Programme for Government commitments.

“It provides faster reassurance for patients who do not have cancer and earlier diagnosis for those who do, potentially leading to better treatment options and outcomes.

“I want to thank everyone who has worked hard to deliver this successful national rollout as we continue to harness technology to reform our NHS for the future.”

Dr Fiona Macdonald, Consultant Dermatologist and Clinical Lead for Dermatology at the Centre for Sustainable Delivery said: “Digital dermatology helps dermatologists carry out robust referral triage without the patient being present, enabling them to prioritise the most urgent referrals.

“Referrals with images also allow the option to offer advice and/or a diagnosis to colleagues in primary care at the point of referral rather than patients having to wait for an appointment.

“The new system will help support the referral process where appropriate, and patients will still have the choice of whether to include an image. If they choose not to then the referral will be processed efficiently in the usual way.”

Support for carers: Cash grants will support short breaks

Around 3,000 more parent carers who look after disabled or seriously ill children will be able to take a break from their caring routine thanks to increased investment.

They will receive cash grants to help finance a short break, like a day out or time away with their loved ones, after an additional £1.1 million was given to Family Fund, a charity supporting parents who look after disabled and seriously ill children.

Taking the total number of short breaks supported by the Scottish Government up to more than 8,500 in 2025-2026, the cash grants will go to those who originally applied for financial assistance but were unsuccessful due to high demand.

Recognising their selflessness over the festive period and throughout the year, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Unpaid carers are the unsung heroes of so many people’s lives. They go above and beyond to provide comfort and dignity for thousands of people, and they do so with pride.

“But it can also be a demanding and tiring responsibility. I am proud that we are supporting more parent carers to look after themselves, helping them to reset with a short break away from the day-to-day routine of caring.

“They show dedication, love and support, not just over the festive period, but every single day. They have my utmost respect and gratitude for the work that they do.”

Family Fund previously supported Yunus, 46, who is a Livingston-based father of four, to take his family to Blackpool last year.

Yunus had stopped working in cyber security to become a full-time, unpaid carer for his daughter, Arya, 5.

She suffered from Acute Lympoblastic Leukaemia, a cancer in blood cells, which her dad described as “hell on earth.”

Arya rang the bell last Christmas, marking the end of her treatment. Now, she receives regular health checks and is doing well aside from minor side effects from treatment.

Yunus also cares for his wife and his son with autism. He said: “The support that organisations like Family Fund provide people facing the circumstances I have is invaluable.

“You never expect the worst to happen to your own family, but when it does, it’s crucial that help is available. I am so proud of my daughter and of my entire family.

“Being able to take a short break brought some light back to our lives during one of the toughest periods for my wife, my children, and myself. I’m pleased the Scottish Government is helping to make that a reality for many others.”

Consultation on care homes and ‘care at home’ services

Views sought on extending Freedom of Information provisions

Private and third sector providers of care home and ‘care at home’ services may be made subject to Freedom of Information laws.

Following the Covid pandemic, ministers agreed to look at extending provisions in the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) to cover care services. The Act enables the Scottish Government to extend Freedom of Information rules to cover organisations delivering ‘functions of a public nature’.

A consultation will seek views on whether providers of care homes and ‘care at home’ fall under that definition and if so, whether and how the Government should exercise its power to extend FOISA to cover them.

It will also cover other issues, including whether services should only be covered if they receive public funding, whether services for children and young people should be included and how a change in the rules might affect organisations of different sizes.

Minister for Parliamentary Business Graeme Dey said: “Care home and ‘care at home’ services are of the utmost importance to people, including some of our most vulnerable citizens.

“There is a good argument that these services can be considered to be public functions, and that statutory FOI obligations should therefore be extended to private and third sector providers in this area. Doing so would put the same obligations on those providers to be open and transparent that we already place on public sector providers of similar services, such as local councils.

“We will therefore publish a public consultation to gather the views of people who rely on these services for the care of themselves, their friends and family and the wider community. We also want to hear the views of people who work in and with the sector, and from provider organisations.

“This government recognises the significant pressures that the social care sector is facing and to be effective, any future roll out of Freedom of Information will need to take place in partnership with the sector, taking this into account. Therefore I hope as many people as possible will engage with this consultation.”

The consultation will open on January 5^th 2026 and close on March 30^th 2026.

GIQ – consultation on care homes

Over 837,000 winter heating payments made

Scotland benefits from the strongest package of winter heating support in the UK

Over 837,000 payments have been made to people across the country to help with heating costs this winter – thanks to a unique package of support that provides more for people in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK.

More than 268,500 payments for Child Winter Heating Payment and Winter Heating Payment – support only available in Scotland – have been paid and are likely to have already landed in people’s bank accounts.

Child Winter Heating Payment supports families caring for children with the highest disability support needs and the vast majority of payments have already been made.

Winter Heating Payment is a guaranteed, annual payment for people receiving certain benefits.

This is irrespective of how cold the temperature gets outside, unlike the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Cold Weather Payment which is only paid if the average temperature reaches, or is forecast to reach, freezing or below for a full week.

Over 568,000 Pension Age Winter Heating Payments have been paid to people aged 66 and over. This has replaced the DWP Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and is at a higher rate than elsewhere in the UK. Payments will continue to be made throughout the winter.

All Social Security Scotland winter payments are automatic with no need to apply.

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Costs are rising and there will be many people struggling with household bills this winter.

“That’s why the Scottish Government is taking action and will deliver the strongest package of winter support than anywhere else in the UK.

“We’re providing winter help, no matter the weather and I’m pleased that over three quarters of a million payments have already been made to do just that.”

Joe Cluxton, energy coordinator at FEL, a service that provides free home energy advice to residents in the Forth Valley added: “We welcome the range of winter heating support delivered by Social Security Scotland as a means to address fuel poverty and the rising cost of heating our homes.

“The cost of living crisis may drive some to keep the heating off or too low in homes with vulnerable residents, and this is a valuable move to keep people safe through the coldest seasons.”

Keep warm in the cold weather  

Heat rooms you regularly use to a comfortable temperature (at least 18°C if you can)

Wear several layers of clothing

Try move around every hour

More info:

http://nhsinform.scot/cold-weather

Protecting children from harm

Actions to combat sexual abuse set out alongside next steps in national review

Immediate action will be taken to address any harms or risks identified in the first part of an independent inspectorate-led review of responses to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE).

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth announced to Parliament that the first part of the independent national review will be taken forward at pace and focus on rigorous, detailed scrutiny of local councils’ assessments of the threat and risk of group-based CSAE.

Further parts will follow, and Ministers plan to update Parliament more fully by the end of February.

The Education Secretary also confirmed an additional £220,000 will be invested this financial year to enhance support for victims and families impacted by sexual offending, improve access to training for professionals to respond to sexual harm, and support improvements to Police Scotland’s forensics capabilities.

The Cabinet Secretaries for Education and Skills and for Justice and Home Affairs have jointly written to the Cross-Party Group on Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse to request to meet survivors in the new year.

The Education Secretary also confirmed that Ministers support mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in principle. The National CSAE Strategic Group has agreed to consider next steps to develop options for mandatory reporting in Scotland, and will also further consider approaches to involve survivors in an appropriate and trauma-informed way.

Ms Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government is taking determined action to establish the potential extent and scale of child sexual exploitation and abuse in Scotland’s recent past.

“Those who have suffered, as victims of child sexual abuse, have been let down by a system which should have protected them. We must ensure that survivors’ experience is at the heart of our considerations – their voices must be heard and be listened to.

“The National Review, Police Scotland’s ongoing work, and the advice of the National Strategic Group chaired by Professor Jay, will gather evidence, help us to take action where it is needed now, and inform advice to Ministers on whether a national inquiry on group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation is required.”

Stuart Allardyce, Director of Lucy Faithfull Foundation Scotland, said: “Demand for our services to prevent child sexual abuse keeps rising. Each year, more adults concerned about their behaviour, young people who have caused sexual harm to others, and families affected by a loved one’s arrest turn to us for help.

“This funding is a lifeline that will enable additional groupwork sessions this financial year, so no one has to wait for support, and allows us to extend our helpline hours to those across Scotland who need our services. It’s a vital boost that shows the Scottish Government’s commitment to protecting children from harm.”

COSLA calls for £16bn budget boost

COSLA is urging the Scottish Government to provide a £16 billion boost in revenue in the Scottish Budget, to secure fair and sustainable funding for Scotland’s councils.

A demand for a £844 million general capital settlement has also been requested, plus a restoration of the Affordable Housing Supply Programme to £955 million, to maintain, repair, expand and secure the future of Council estates.

COSLA has today launched a lobbying campaign urging the Scottish Government to use the upcoming Scottish Budget to provide councils with the fair, sustainable and multi-year funding needed to protect essential local services.

The campaign – ‘Strong Councils, Strong Communities’ – highlights growing pressures facing local government and the very real consequences of continued underfunding for communities across Scotland. The financial pressures in social care and housing are two key areas COSLA are asking the Scottish Government to specifically address in their upcoming budget.

COSLA warns that without urgent action in January’s Budget, councils will be unable to maintain essential services such as social care, education, housing support, roads, and community safety.

COSLA Resources Spokesperson, Councillor Ricky Bell, said: “Scotland’s councils deliver the services that people rely on every single day — from caring for older and vulnerable people to keeping schools open, streets safe and communities thriving. Councils are facing greater demand than ever and are required to do more with significantly less. This is unsustainable.

“The upcoming Scottish Budget is a pivotal moment. The Scottish Government must deliver a settlement that matches the scale of the challenge. Without fair funding, communities will see services reduced and inequalities deepen, and we will struggle to meet national targets in key areas such as child poverty, housing, and net zero”

This year, councils continue to face rising inflation, increasing demand for services, and the continued impact of workforce pressures across social care and education. COSLA’s analysis shows that even maintaining current services requires substantial additional investment. As a fair and sustainable overall financial settlement COSLA’s key asks from the campaign include:

An immediate £750m investment in social care.
Flexibility for councils to make local decisions that respond to community needs.
Recognition of local government as an equal partner in delivering national priorities and tackling inequalities.

COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, added: “Councils work tirelessly to deliver for Scotland’s communities, however, continued pressure on resources makes this increasingly challenging.

“This is about safeguarding what matters most, support for the most vulnerable, opportunities for young people, support for families, and safe, thriving communities. We hope the Budget will reflect the vital role Local Government plays in Scotland’s public services.”

National Speed Management Review: Consultation findings published

Transport Scotland has published the findings from over 19,500 responses to the National Speed Management Review public consultation.

The next steps in plans to reduce death and injuries on Scotland’s roads have been outlined by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport.

The findings from over 19,500 responses to the National Speed Management Review public consultation have been published. The next steps are:

In relation to national speed limits on single carriageway, following close consideration of consultation responses, Ministers will not be taking forward changes. Further work will be undertaken to continue to analyse the impact on road casualties and journey times of a speed limit change on different standards of single carriageways.
In relation to Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) speed limits, work will be undertaken to progress steps to increase speed limits on single and dual carriageways for this vehicle type. This change aims to reduce the speed differential between HGVs and other vehicles, helping to reduce driver frustration and improve journey time reliability.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “The National Speed Management Review provides important evidence on how speed limits can help reduce road deaths and serious injuries, and is helping us work towards our ambitious goal of making Scotland’s roads the safest in the world by 2030.

“The next steps have been informed by the huge number of responses to the public consultation. Work will be undertaken to further analyse the impact on road casualties and journey times of a speed limit change on different standards of single carriageways and this will inform any future transport policies.

“We are also going to start work now on the steps needed to increase HGV speed limits, recognising the consultation feedback and the positive results of similar changes from the A9 HGV speed limit trial and other parts of the UK.

By reducing the speed differential between HGVs and other vehicles, this change is expected to enhance road safety by reducing driver frustration and improving journey time reliability.

“We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many. These proposals represent a vital step towards making Scotland roads safer.”

http://transport.gov.scot/news/national-speed-management-review-update/

Better drug and alcohol support for young people

New standards ensure consistent help across Scotland

Young people using alcohol or drugs will receive improved access to support through new national standards.

Developed in conjunction with young people across Scotland, the standards set out what under-25s should expect when seeking help.

They establish core principles – including early intervention before problems escalate, access to treatment and recovery for those most at risk, consistent relationships with support workers and flexible access through online, phone or face-to-face services.

During a visit to The GIVIT Youth Recovery Service in Hamilton, which helped draw up the standards, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said: “I welcome these standards as a vital step in ensuring accessible, person-centred and trauma-informed support for young people.

“Although drug-related deaths in people under-25 have reduced in recent years, I often hear from people that they started to experience problems with alcohol or drugs in their youth. If we can intervene and support earlier then we can prevent the development of more serious harms and death.

“These standards set out how local services can support young people to stay safe, reduce their substance use and recover. They give professionals and commissioners clear, practical guidance to deliver care that meets each young person’s needs and set a benchmark for best practice, ensuring treatment and support that truly makes a difference.

“They will make sure reliable support is available at the earliest possible opportunity, when challenges begin, not after they spiral. They will ensure support is high-quality and young people are kept safe and supported.”

The standards address geographical variations. They require all areas to provide person-centred support that recognises individual circumstances, cultural background and wider life needs.

Key features include the ability to self-refer, choice of appointment times and locations, and support for families.

The GIVIT Youth Recovery Service Project Manager Mary Thomson said: “These standards will help create more coordinated pathways to support, ensuring access to the right help at the right time.

“Strong partnership working between services will make it easier to provide consistent, high-quality support, leading to more effective planning and delivery of services aligned with the National Drugs Mission across Scotland.”

GIVIT Youth Advisory Panel Member Callum said: ”Standards for young people nationally around drug and alcohol support services is really exciting and a step in the right direction for recovery in Scotland.

“It will make services more accessible and help challenge the stigma around youth recovery.”

GIVIT Youth Advisory Panel Member George said: “Ensuring accessibility to information related to services for both the young person and their support network is key to success in recovery.

“Being inclusive to all without judgment will encourage young people from various backgrounds and circumstances to seek help.”

Solidarity with Jewish Communities

FM: “Scottish Government stands firmly against all forms of antisemitism”

First Minister John Swinney has extended his condolences and spoken of the Scottish Government’s solidarity with Jewish communities in Scotland and around the world following the terror attack in Sydney on the first night of Chanukah.

Mr Swinney expressed his horror at the “unspeakable act of hatred and violence” and condemned all forms of antisemitism. The First Minister confirmed the Scottish Government is liaising closely with Police Scotland and relevant partners to ensure safety for Jewish communities and their places of worship.

The First Minister said: “I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific terror attack that happened at Bondi Beach, on the first night of Chanukah. What should have been a celebration of light and hope was cruelly marred by an unspeakable act of hatred and violence.

“I know that the Jewish community here in Scotland will be facing unimaginable grief and anxiety in the wake of this senseless attack. In this moment of darkness and pain, the Scottish Government stands firmly against any and all forms of antisemitism – an evil which has absolutely no place in our society and which we must confront.

“I also want to assure our Jewish communities that the Scottish Government is in very close contact with Police Scotland, and other relevant partners, to put in place the appropriate measures to ensure safety around places of worship at this time.

“I am dedicated to ensuring that our Jewish communities here in Scotland feel safe and supported and able to live free from fear.

“The world needs acts of goodness, kindness, and light at this time more than ever. We condemn the appalling acts of violence perpetrated in Australia over the weekend, and we stand in solidarity with our Jewish communities as they come together to celebrate Chanukah.”

Scotland’s first neurodevelopmental support summit aims to shape co-ordinated national approach

Scotland’s first summit on neurodevelopmental support takes place today – Monday 15 December.

The event will bring together people from clinical services, education, local government, academia and policy.This will support a shared discussion on how Scotland can improve access to, and the availability of, neurodevelopmental support.

The aim of the discussion is to work towards ensuring neurodivergent people get the right help at the right time, ensuring consistent support, assessment, and diagnosis, where required.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur, who is chairing the summit, said: “Demand for assessment and support has risen sharply, putting pressure on health, education and social care services. Too many families are waiting too long for help.

“Our system must change so people get support based on what they need, not how long they wait for a diagnosis. We’re making progress through our work with COSLA and the Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopment Taskforce, and we’ve invested an additional £500,000 this year to improve access to care.

“But we must go further. Real change comes from us all working together. My aim is that the summit gives us a stronger shared understanding of what needs to change and a collective determination to make that happen.”

Neurodevelopmental conditions include autism and ADHD. There has been a large increase in the number of people seeking neurodevelopmental support, assessment and diagnosis in recent years. This is creating significant pressure on a number of services, with long waiting lists being held by health boards for diagnostic assessments.

Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopmental Support

The National Neurodevelopmental Specification: Principles and Standards of Care for Children and Young People specifies the standards that all children’s services should follow to ensure access to support is effective and consistent across Scotland.

The Scottish Government, in partnership with COSLA, has undertaken a review of the implementation of the National Neurodevelopmental Specification which will inform improvements to support health boards and local authorities to deliver the Specification.

It has also set up a new Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopment Taskforce to drive forward these improvements, and are providing an additional £500,000 funding this year to enhance the support available to children and families.

The Taskforce has now met twice, in October and December 2025.

Adult Neurodevelopmental Support

The Scottish government funds the National Autism Implementation Team, which is currently supporting NHS Boards to develop, enhance and redesign existing local adult neurodevelopmental services.

We have launched the next phase of our £2.5m multi-year Autistic Adult Support Fund, which aims to help autistic adults understand what neurodivergence means for them and improve their wellbeing.

We continue to fund NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and the National Autism Implementation Team (NAIT) to deliver professional learning on neurodevelopmental conditions.