Family feared losing their mum’s house
Mum Susan with toxicology reports for 90 per cent of drug-related deaths in Scotland.
The contract between Glasgow University and the Crown Office was due to end next yearafter the two sides failed to reach an agreement but that has now had to be extended.
The dispute has already resulted in long delays for many bereaved families including the Nelsons, who only received the results they were waiting on after their case was raised with Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister’s Questions last week.
It is threatening to impact on Scotland’s drug death crisis as hundreds of drug death reports are produced by the unit every year.
Gary, a pharmacy community worker, added: “The Crown Office and university need to get this sorted. It is having a real impact on people.”
Labour’s health spokeswoman
Monica Lennon said: “All sudden and unexpected deaths should be investigated promptly and, for this to happen, Scotland’s vital toxicology services need to be properly resourced.
“Delays to post-mortem reports are upsetting for families and Gary and Emma should have been spared this unnecessary stress and worry. It’s courageous they have broken their silence to help other families.”
A spokesman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “COPFS appreciate the difficulties the Nelson family have faced and the impact that a delay in confirming the f inal cause of death can have on bereaved families.
“The Crown is engaging with the external service provider it relies upon for toxicology analysis with the aim of reducing the backlog of this essential specialist work.”