![]() ![]() It is a fundamental aim of the system for the investigation of deaths in Scotland that the Crown should conduct investigations where appropriate, with a view to understanding the circumstances of deaths and helping to prevent future deaths in similar circumstances and COPFS is committed to ensuring that this principle is upheld. It is a function which she exercises independently from any other person, including the Scottish Government. The Lord Advocate is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, unexpected, and unexplained deaths. Many of these death investigations will involve the consideration of complex technical and medical issues requiring the instruction of independent experts before we can decide whether any action should be taken and if there is any basis for criminal proceedings or a Fatal Accident Inquiry. This will include any relevant transfer from a hospital to a care home and whether effective infection prevention and control measures were implemented. The Covid Deaths Investigation Team (CDIT) of COPFS continues to work with agencies including the Health and Safety Executive, Local Authorities, the Care Inspectorate, and the police to ensure that all necessary and appropriate enquiries are made in relation to these deaths.Ī large amount of information is being collated from care homes, employers, NHS, and the Scottish Government and provided to CDIT for examination. I am committed to ensuring that the facts and circumstances surrounding these deaths are thoroughly investigated and answers given to bereaved families.” “Every single one of these deaths is a tragedy which requires to be fully considered. “The funding from the Scottish Government will ensure that this extensive and detailed work can continue to progress with the ongoing recruitment of additional staff to tackle covid deaths. This funding, which has continued under the new Scottish budget, will allow COPFS to continue to recruit more staff to carry out the necessary investigations timeously, to support the Scottish and UK COVID 19 public inquiries and to engage with and support bereaved relatives appropriately. The funding required to carry out this task was recognised in June 2022 when COPFS was successful in its request to Scottish Government for additional in year funding of £2.2m (full year equivalent £4.4m). “The reporting guidance to medical practitioners has been kept under continuous review and, following agreement with the Chief Medical Officer, Police Service of Scotland and National Records Scotland, will now be changed.” ![]() I understand that an investigation can be difficult for those involved but it is a process which will assist with the eventual understanding of these deaths and may prevent further loss of life in the future. “Thousands of Scottish families lost a loved one and the impact of that is still sorely felt. It is without doubt the single largest investigation of deaths in Scottish history. “The situation created by this pandemic is unlike any other in our lifetimes and the scale of the Crown’s investigation is unprecedented. Since then, the team have received over 5,500 death reports. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service established a specialist unit in May 2020 to receive reports of Covid-19 related deaths and to carry out any investigation which may be required. Having kept matters under regular review, it is no longer necessary to report to the Procurator Fiscal the deaths of all care home residents or workers who may have contracted Covid-19 in the course of their employment or occupation. ![]()
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