3. To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made on implementing an injury surveillance programme. (S4O-02404)

Following the success of the assault injury surveillance model in Lanarkshire, the Scottish Government has recognised that the programme could be very valuable to both NHS Scotland and Police Scotland. We are working with a range of partners under the building safer communities programme to reduce harm to communities and to roll the programme out. In short, a project is under way that includes a national assault injury surveillance programme.

As the cabinet secretary will be aware, I first raised the issue of injury surveillance in 2005 and I remain committed to the belief that the measure will be effective. According to figures from the first year of trials at three NHS Lanarkshire sites, unreported crime is falling faster than reported crime and crime overall is steadily decreasing. I recently wrote to the cabinet secretary to urge the Government to press ahead with the implementation of an injury surveillance system across all national health service boards. What challenges has the Government faced in rolling out such a system?

I am grateful to Mr Maxwell for raising the issue and acknowledge his long-standing commitment to it. Although there have been problems with data sharing, they are being overcome and, in partnership with the violence reduction unit, we are now seeking to roll the project out nationally. I am grateful for the Lanarkshire pilot and Mr Maxwell’s support and endeavour in driving the issue forward. I assure him that we are seeking to build on that commitment.

The Presiding Officer:

Question 4 in the name of Mike MacKenzie has been withdrawn. The member has provided an explanation.