To ask the Scottish Executive what is being done to improve accuracy in diagnosing pernicious anaemia.

Healthcare professionals are expected to follow agreed local and national guidelines, and are supported by the agreed pathways in NHS boards for the management of various health conditions, including Pernicious Anaemia.
Doctors are expected and professionally required to keep up to date by their Regulatory Body, The General Medical Council (GMC), through Continuing Professional Development activities. Personal development needs are identified through the process of appraisal and reflect the healthcare service needs of their local population that is served by the doctors.
The education and training of doctors delivering care to patients is supported by the NHS boards where they are employed and contracted, as well as by other organisations such NHS Education for Scotland and the Medical Royal Colleges and peers. The training materials are available to them in various formats such as lectures, articles, e-learning modules and others. This will include any updates in the management of Pernicious Anaemia.