6. To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to deal with asbestos-related illnesses, and how it supports people with these conditions. (S5O-03002)

The Scottish Government expects national health service boards to provide high-quality person-centred care for all people, including those with suspected or confirmed diagnoses of asbestos-related conditions.

The Scottish Government’s cancer strategy, “Beating Cancer: Ambition and Action”, was launched in March 2016, alongside a commitment to spend £100 million over five years to improve prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of any form of cancer, and on aftercare for those who are affected, including people who have an asbestos-related cancer.

Today, I am hosting a group from Asbestos Action (Tayside) in Parliament. From experience, I know how much support they give people—and their families—who live with asbestos-related conditions, including mesothelioma, and I thank them for their work.

Concerns remain that a postcode lottery exists when it comes to people receiving the medical or pastoral care that they need and deserve. What is the Scottish Government doing to bridge the gaps in provision, and to raise awareness among healthcare and social workers of the soft support that is available, and of the importance of signposting people to vital services?

I recognise Claire Baker’s personal commitment to the matter and I acknowledge the work of Asbestos Action (Tayside).

Claire Baker has made an important point. On 22 January, we published revised “Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer”, the purpose of which is to ensure consistency around Scotland. The referral guidelines will help to ensure that clinicians have access to the most up-to-date evidence so that they refer patients who have symptoms that suggest cancer to the right pathway at the right time.

I recognise the work of organisations including those that are represented today in the gallery, and I am happy to continue working with Claire Baker on the issue, which I know is of personal importance to her.