NHS Highland set to change how it transports coronavirus specimen bags after 'appalling' A9 incident – but insists 'no risk' posed by samples lost near Tain en route to Inverness
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NHS Highland has insisted coronavirus test samples found lying besides the A9 posed no risk to the public – but has changed the way it will transport them in future.
The health board revealed the specimen bag – which was spotted by a member of the public close to the Dornoch junction on Monday night – was being transported by an NHS Highland vehicle from Caithness General Hospital in Wick to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
A probe into how it could have happened to ensure this will not happen again was launched earlier this week.
An NHS Highland spokeswoman said: "The investigation is still ongoing and we are able to confirm that the samples were being transported by an NHS Highland motor vehicle travelling from Wick to Inverness. With immediate effect, all specimen bags are to be carried in cages within the main cargo area of the vehicles in our transport fleet to avoid a similar incident happening again.
"We would like to reassure members of the public that at no point was there a risk to the public from these samples. They were packed properly and remained intact. They are now with the laboratory team at Raigmore.
"All staff involved with this investigation are being supported as we learn from the incident.
"We would also like to thank the team from Highlands and Islands Blood Bikes who helped us during this incident."
The incident prompted a shocked response.
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP Jamie Stone is demanding answers and an assurance from NHS Highland that steps will be taken to ensure it does not occur again.
Mr Stone said: "I am absolutely appalled that the personal details of my constituents – and their right to confidentiality – has been breached.
"Imagine if your name was splattered across one of those samples and how exposed you would feel. It’s truly horrific.
"Goodness knows, times are bad and terrifying enough without this sort of incident taking place."
The Liberal Democrat MP added: "I seek two things. Firstly, to know what happened. NHS Highland has been quick to set up an investigation, which I am grateful for, but I urge them to ensure that it is thorough and transparent.
"Secondly, I must see with my own eyes that systems have been put in place to make sure this can never happen again.
"The police and NHS Highland have been very quick to respond, and I am grateful to them for that. But we cannot be letting our guard down."
Caithness Health Action Team chairman Bill Fernie.A medical bag was found at the side of the road on the A9 near Tain.
Bill Fernie, chairman of Caithness Health Action Team, said: "I am concerned that material from Caithness General Hospital was lost on its way to Raigmore in Inverness. If they lose that, what else could they lose?
"My question would be, 'Has anything like this ever happened before?'
"It is a major embarrassment for NHS Highland, if nothing else, but I am reassured by what they have said and I feel they will do everything they can to make sure something like this never happens again."
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant said: “This is very worrying. I’ll be pressing the Scottish Government and NHS Highland for an explanation.
“It just seems bizarre that they can be found on a road by a member of the public, especially during heightened health and safety awareness due to the pandemic.”
