1. To ask the Scottish Government how it is improving data gathering in relation to health outcomes. (S6O-02188)

The Scottish Government gathers or supports the gathering of data on health outcomes in a number of ways. We constantly strive to improve in that area, as is noted in our recently published data strategy for health and social care. We work closely with partners such as Public Health Scotland and wider stakeholders to continue to develop outcomes data, and we collect data directly through surveys such as the Scottish health survey and the health and care experience survey.

Recent examples of improvements include the better use of online data collection, better linkage and new analyses of outcomes data. In addition, most of our major programmes of work have dedicated data improvement strands, such as in adult social care and for drug deaths.

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh has made it clear that there is

“overwhelming”

“evidence that air pollution harms the health of ... school children”.

To properly protect children, we need better data, which is why I have spent more than six years in calling for air quality monitors to be installed in Scottish schools. I was pleased to see a similar call from the royal college in its recent submission to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee for air quality monitors to be installed at all urban primary schools for a year, then extended to secondary schools. Will the cabinet secretary now listen to those experts, make that commitment and install those air quality monitors?

Maurice Golden will be aware that we have undertaken a range of work in order to improve air quality—for example, through the introduction of low-emission zones, the first of which will be in force in Glasgow as of next month. We can already see the impact of that on air quality.

I recognise the direct impact that air quality can have on an individual’s health—in particular, on their respiratory and cardiovascular health—and I am always keen to explore more actions to address those issues. I am aware of the issues that have been raised by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and I will certainly give consideration to whether we can take further measures in order to address those concerns.

On data gathering, will the cabinet secretary outline how the Scottish Government will ensure that the opportunities that are created by new technology, data and analytical services will be delivered by a sustainable, well-trained and supported workforce?

Data can play an important part in supporting not just the design but the delivery of services. That is why we have the health and social care data strategy, published in February, which sets out the actions that we will take over the coming years to improve data collection and the linkage between different parts of our health and social care system.

Alongside that, data from the use of other forms of technology can play an important part in improving health outcomes.

Some of the work that we are taking forward through the strategy aims to ensure that we deploy technology and use the data from it to its absolute maximum, to improve the way in which services are delivered across the country.