A HEALTH board has apologised after a dead foetus was found in a clinical waste bin at a hospital.
NHS Lanarkshire has apologised for distress caused after the body was discarded at Monklands Hospital in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, last week. An investigation has been launched.
Michael Coyle, councillor for Airdrie South in North Lanarkshire said: "I think it's absolutely shocking and whoever is responsible has to be sacked because this is unacceptable. Parents go through enough whenever they lose a child."
He added: "It's not a piece of rubbish, it's a life that's been lost."
Health Secretary Alex Neil, who is the MSP for Airdrie, has demanded steps be taken to prevent similar incidents.
Mr Neil said the proper procedure is for foetuses to be stored at nearby Wishaw General Hospital, in a "protected and respectful environment".
He said the health board is looking at whether procedures need tightening up, why the incident happened in the first place, and whether disciplinary action is needed.
He added: "I don't know the circumstances under which the foetus didn't go to full period, but clearly under any circumstances this is a real tragedy, particularly for the mother."
A spokesman for NHS Lanarkshire said: "We are sorry for the distress caused by this incident. It is our aim to treat all families with dignity and respect, and we are carrying out a critical incident review as a matter of urgency."
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