This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-50868705
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Funding boost to clear post-mortem report backlog | Funding boost to clear post-mortem report backlog |
(32 minutes later) | |
Toxicology services are to receive extra funding to help clear a backlog. | Toxicology services are to receive extra funding to help clear a backlog. |
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said it would be invested to help speed up overdue post-mortem reports. | The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said it would be invested to help speed up overdue post-mortem reports. |
Since February, nearly 2,000 reports have been delayed as a result of a staff shortage at Glasgow University, which provides a "significant amount" of toxicology services for the Crown. | |
The £300,000 will allow the university to hire more staff and buy equipment. | |
The contract will be taken on by an alternative provider from September 2020. | |
Lord Advocate James Wolffe has previously said since February, 1859 post-mortem examination reports are recorded as having been held up as a direct result of delays in forensic toxicology analysis. | |
All sudden and unexplained deaths must be reported to the Crown. Inquiries are then made into the circumstances of the death. | All sudden and unexplained deaths must be reported to the Crown. Inquiries are then made into the circumstances of the death. |
If required, a post-mortem examination is arranged and pathologists use toxicology results to confirm the cause of death and complete post-mortem reports. | If required, a post-mortem examination is arranged and pathologists use toxicology results to confirm the cause of death and complete post-mortem reports. |
Toxicology tests for homicides, road traffic fatalities and child deaths are dealt with first. | |
'Significant funding' | |
The head of COPFS, Crown Agent David Harvie, said: "COPFS appreciate the impact that a delay in confirming the final cause of death can have on those who have lost a loved one. | The head of COPFS, Crown Agent David Harvie, said: "COPFS appreciate the impact that a delay in confirming the final cause of death can have on those who have lost a loved one. |
"We have been meeting with the university to discuss workloads and performance and this significant funding has been allocated to address those issues. | "We have been meeting with the university to discuss workloads and performance and this significant funding has been allocated to address those issues. |
"In addition, COPFS is seeking to secure the future delivery of these services and preserve the valuable contribution toxicology staff make to the investigation of deaths." | "In addition, COPFS is seeking to secure the future delivery of these services and preserve the valuable contribution toxicology staff make to the investigation of deaths." |
A spokesman for Glasgow University said: "We were pleased to conclude an agreement with the Crown Office to provide toxicology services up to September 2020. | A spokesman for Glasgow University said: "We were pleased to conclude an agreement with the Crown Office to provide toxicology services up to September 2020. |
"The terms of the contract are confidential, but involve the Crown Office agreeing to pay the full cost of the services provided." | "The terms of the contract are confidential, but involve the Crown Office agreeing to pay the full cost of the services provided." |
Previous version
1
Next version