Mike Pringle visited staff at the Howdenhall Road Forensic Science Laboratory in Edinburgh today to discuss the possible implications of the SPSA Forensic Service Modernisation Options Paper.
Of the four options outlined in the paper one would result in the downgrading of the Edinburgh facility and one would result in its closure with the vast majority of the central belt's forensic services being centralised to Gartcosh in Glasgow.
Commenting following the visit Mike Pringle MSP said
"Obviously all the staff at Howdenhall Road are very concerned about this paper's possible implications.
"The crucial point is that we must ensure the high level of forensic service currently on offer in the Lothian and Borders region is not compromised.
"I am unconvinced that the same level of service can be delivered from Glasgow given both the naturally sensitive nature of forensic evidence and the significant travel time between Gartcosh and Edinburgh."
Mike has submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament calling on the SPSA to consider alternatives to the centralisation of forensic services attracting cross party support, full text of the motion can be found online at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/business/motions/default.aspx
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