2. To ask the Scottish Government how it will use technology to improve access to primary healthcare services. (S4O-03702)

We have made considerable investment in electronic primary care systems over the past 10 years. Developments include two electronic general practitioner record systems; systems to share emergency care information; systems that allow community health workers to access information on the move; telehealth and telecare systems; and an e-pharmacy programme. The next step is to build on that good foundation in order to improve interoperability between systems, develop components that are still missing and create an integrated primary care ecosystem that is linked to acute services.

The GP information technology framework contract is due for reprocurement in 2017, which will offer the opportunity to review systems and applications and to define future requirements to inform the procurement process. We have an e-health strategy, which identifies investment priorities, including those in primary care. The strategy is being refreshed to reflect progress and technological advances.

The Cabinet secretary should be aware of the work that Borders Deaf and Hard of Hearing Network does with NHS Borders to use SMS texting for deaf and hard of hearing patients when they make and cancel appointments with doctors and dentists. It is to the credit of Jean Proudfoot and her team at Borders Deaf and Hard of Hearing Network in Galashiels that a pilot scheme has been initiated in the Borders to enable mobile texting to be used so that hearing-impaired people can easily change and cancel audiology appointments.

Will the cabinet secretary join me in congratulating Jean Proudfoot and her team on progressing that project? Will he commend the pilot to other health boards, to ensure that all deaf and hard of hearing patients in Scotland can benefit from such modest but effective steps to look after vulnerable patients?

I am always delighted to help members with their local press releases. I am therefore delighted to endorse everything that Mr Hume said, to ensure that he does not need to amend the release.

Will the Cabinet secretary have officials enter into discussions with the Royal National Institute of Blind People in Scotland and Optometry Scotland about the positive uses of tablets and their in-built software for people who are visually impaired?

Absolutely. That is a good example of the importance of the new technology that is coming through. One area in which there are the most new developments is the use of apps. We have a lot of apps throughout the health spectrum.

Jim Hume and Stuart McMillan have highlighted a number of new technologies. I attach a high priority to working with the industry and innovators, as well as with patients, doctors and nurses, to spread the use of new technologies as quickly as possible, because such technologies can do an enormous amount to improve the quality of life of people who are affected by blindness and other ailments.