Question reference: S5W-30273
- Asked by: Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 26 June 2020
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 16 July 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the prevalence of heart valve disease, and what action it is taking to provide access to treatment for older people with this condition to (a) support healthy ageing and (b) reduce their vulnerability to (i) COVID-19 and (ii) future epidemics and pandemics.
Answer
In 2019, The National Health Services Scotland (NHSS) National Planning Board commissioned a horizon scan for heart disease in Scotland. The purpose of the horizon scan was to develop a long term forward view (5-10 years) and advise on issues that require national planning for NHS Scotland. This included looking into the prevalence of valve disease with considerations of supporting healthy ageing and access to minimally invasive techniques.
The horizon scan recommended a draft review initiation document be prepared to describe a proposed scope and remit for a Scottish Cardiac Intervention and Structural Cardiac Intervention review. This has been prepared and will be considered by the National Planning Executive Group in July and the full NHSS National Planning Board on 21st of August 2020.