AN SNP MP is calling for an investigation into an “inaccurate” Scotland Office press release about a possible coronavirus patient.
Patricia Gibson expressed concern over the fact-checking process for media statements after the release gave details of an emergency evacuation of someone suffering “severe symptoms of coronavirus” on Arran.
The statement said the patient had been taken from the island to Crosshouse Hospital after showing Covid-19 symptoms, however after the information was reported by a number of media outlets it emerged the patient was in a diabetic coma and did not have the virus.
The Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald reported the patient was also not showing coronavirus symptoms.
North Ayrshire and Arran MP Gibson (below) warned that the release may have “compromised trust” between publications and their readership.
Gibson wrote to Scottish Secretary Alister Jack to say: “I am sure you would agree that no one wishes to misreport any aspect of the spread of this virus, but this release from the Scotland Office has raised serious questions about how information pertaining to local communities and coronavirus is checked for accuracy before being released to the wider public.”
Jack replied to the letter to say he was “satisfied that the request from the Scottish Ambulance Service to the RAF on April 22 made it clear that it was for a potential COVID-19 patient and therefore urgent assistance was needed”.
Gibson had urged Jack to investigate the procedures put in place to ensure press releases are accurate, but the Scottish Secretary did not mention any further investigation.
He wrote: “There were no other options available and without the intervention of the RAF, the critically ill patient would not have been able to be airlifted from Arran to hospital in Kilmarnock.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel