National Health Service (Infant Food Intolerance)

– in the Scottish Parliament at on 15 November 2018.

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Photo of Mark Griffin Mark Griffin Labour

I want to raise the case of Sebastian Skelton, a 13-month-old infant whose mother, Siobhan, is struggling to get the treatment that he needs from our national health service. Days after he was born, Sebastian developed food intolerances; indeed, they have now developed considerably. However, more than a year later, he has still not been seen by the allergy specialist and is still going without an NHS prescription for the medication that he needs. His mother, Siobhan, has been forced to take matters into her own hands and has sought help from private specialist doctors in London and Glasgow. I wrote to the health secretary seven weeks ago, seeking urgent intervention and support, but I have yet to receive a response. Will the First Minister look into Sebastian’s case and give him and his family the help that they urgently need?

Photo of Nicola Sturgeon Nicola Sturgeon Scottish National Party

I give that undertaking today. I do not know the full details of Sebastian’s case beyond what Mark Griffin has narrated just now, but we are clearly talking about a young baby, so I understand his parents’ distress. We will all want the baby to get the treatment that he needs as quickly as possible. I will ask the health secretary to look into this as a matter of urgency and will come back to the member as soon as she has had the opportunity to do so. I also ask Mr Griffin to convey my very best wishes to Sebastian and his family.