NHS Lanarkshire has welcomed an independent review report, published today (9/8/19), which confirms that the Buchanan and St Ambrose High School Campus in Coatbridge is safe.

The independent report endorses NHS Lanarkshire’s position that the schools  are safe, praises how its public health team investigated and recommends that both schools open as planned next Wednesday, enabling pupils and staff to return and, crucially, to continue with the pupils’ education.

Mr Gabe Docherty, Director of Public Health at NHS Lanarkshire, welcomed the reassurance that the report provides. He said, “We welcome the publication of the independent report today that provides a clear reassurance that the schools are safe to attend.

“We recognise that this has been a difficult period for everyone involved with the schools and we welcome the schools opening next week to start their new school year. These are highly regarded, highly valued schools which also make a significant contribution to the wider community they serve. It’s vital that school life returns to normal as soon as possible and this report provides the peace-of-mind to enable that to happen.

“We have actively engaged with those directly involved and the wider school community throughout our investigations and will continue to do so.

“The report also recognises that there is a role for local community leaders, the council and the health board to work together on this. We remain committed to working with all partners to provide the support and reassurance required around public health to enable the school to move forward positively and confidently.”

The report was commissioned by the Scottish Government in June 2019, co-led by an independent public health expert, to investigate health concerns at the school.