7. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the process through which people with complex medical conditions are treated when they are taken into police or prison custody. (S5O-04410)

Every day, our front-line police and prison officers, together with our national health service staff, work hard to support people in custody, many of whom have complex healthcare needs.

On admission to custody, every prisoner is screened to identify whether they have any immediate healthcare needs. Although the admission process is slightly different depending on whether they will be in police or prison custody, if an individual with complex medical conditions in either setting requires medical attention, they will be attended to by NHS healthcare professionals. Where a need is identified, a patient will be referred to an appropriate healthcare setting or clinical specialty, in line with clinically led protocols.

In both settings, the responsibility for healthcare services sits with integration joint boards and NHS boards.

I have had a few cases in which people with complex medical issues have faced challenges in obtaining their medication.

Will the cabinet secretary commit to working with me to provide further detail so that we can help people to take a health approach if they find themselves in police or prison custody?

I would be happy to meet Emma Harper to discuss the issue in more detail.