Outraged politicians call for answers over how Covid-19 test samples were abandoned next to A9
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Highland MP Jamie Stone said he was "appalled" at how patients confidentiality was breached after coronavirus test samples were left beside the A9.
NHS Highland is investigating the incident and today said it had changed arrangements for how such samples are transported.
There has been widespread anger and concern since a member of the public found the bag of samples by the side of the A9 near Tain on Monday.
The pack also contained patients' names.
Jamie Stone, Lib Dem MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, 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.
“I seek two things: firstly, to know what happened. NHS Highland have 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 that this can never happen again.”
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Maree Todd said: “Clearly this is an unacceptable and alarming situation.
“I am relieved to hear the bag was intact and the public were not exposed to risk but there must be an urgent investigation into how this happened to ensure it can never happen again.”
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.”
Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Jackson Carlaw, said: “This is a very concerning incident and I am sure the public will have been alarmed that they were found at the side of one of the busiest roads in Scotland.
“Testing is absolutely vital in order to stop any spread of the virus as we continue to ease our way back to a sense of normality. Any delay in receiving results only holds up that process.
“This sort of incident is absolutely unacceptable and I hope that NHS Highland will be issuing a fuller statement as soon as possible.
“Transparency is absolutely key when incidents like this occur.”
One man, from Wick, who did not want to be named, believes his mother’s blood samples for white cell counts after a cancer diagnosis were also in the bag.
He said: “These medical tests going from Wick to Inverness were urgent, and to find out they were lying by the side of the road just shows how little care NHS Highland have for the people that they serve.”
Related articles: Scottish Government 'concerned' about incident
Highlands and Islands Blood Bikes charity 'not involved' in incident
NHS Highland changes way it transports coronavirus specimen bags
