Grieving families who have lost loved ones in unexplained circumstances may have to wait two years to find out how they died.
The Glasgow University lab that carries out vital toxicology tests has closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Labour MSP Monica Lennon said: “Scotland’s toxicology lab going into lockdown is a further blow to those families who had been let down long before coronavirus hit.”
A contract row last year between the Crown Office and Glasgow University led to huge delays in toxicology tests for unexplained deaths.
The delays had a knock-on effect on delivery of final post-mortem reports.
Even before Covid-19 struck, families were being told they faced agonising waits of up to a year for answers.
Extra funding was provided by the Crown Office and it was hoped all 2019 toxicology analyses would be reported by next month.
However, in a letter to the convener of Holyrood’s justice committee, Lord Advocate James Wolff stated:
“Glasgow University has, as a result of the public health guidance directed to slowing the spread of Covid-19, decided to close the Joseph Black Building, in which the toxicology lab is located, and this will undoubtedly have an impact on the completion of toxicological analysis.
“This impact is regrettable, but I know that you will understand the position in the context of the current public health emergency.”
Lennon blasted: “Losing a loved one in sudden and unexplained circumstances is highly traumatic and every day without answers is agonising.
“If the Scottish Government had intervened last year, when thousands of bereaved relatives were needing help, more of them might have answers today.
“It’s not acceptable to keep families in the dark and the Crown Office should have told them what the closure of the lab means for their results.
“Some families now fear they’ll have to wait two years for a final post-mortem report.
“With a recent huge spike in unexplained deaths, this is an issue that needs close attention.”
A Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal spokesperson said: “The Crown Office is working closely with the University of Glasgow to understand the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the work of the toxicology laboratories.
“We will continue to work with partners in the justice system and elsewhere in supporting the public health guidance.”
