“Public Inquiry is the only option” – Patrick McGuire
Thompsons Solicitors is calling on the Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson MSP to launch a Public Inquiry into the baby ash scandal uncovered at Mortonhall Crematorium. Dorothy Maitland, Operations Manager of SANDS Lothian, who is also one of the victims being represented by Thompsons, is meeting the Minister today to discuss the issue. Thompsons has approached the Minister for a meeting at a later date.
Thompsons Partner Patrick McGuire believes a Public Inquiry is the only option to establish the whole truth around the scandal. He said: “There are quite literally hundreds if not more bereaved parents who have been devastated by the loss of a baby and are now having to endure this living nightmare which has unfolded in recent weeks. These people deserve to know the full truth about what happened to their baby’s ashes and those who have the power to make this happen must act.”
Speaking ahead of the meeting with the Minister, Operations Manager for SANDS Lothian, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society, Dorothy Maitland said: “I hope today will bring us closer to getting the truth for bereaved families who are affected by this scandal. If the only way to do that is a Public Inquiry then hopefully the Minister of Public Health will agree to one.
Thompsons is acting for dozens of families whose babies were cremated at Mortonhall Crematorium but has also been contacted by others who appear to have had similar experiences elsewhere. Mr McGuire added: “Our concern is that Mortonhall is just the tip of the iceberg and this is in fact a Scotland wide issue. It is for this reason that no stone can be left unturned until the whole truth is uncovered to allow the victims some sort of closure and to reassure the general public that this can’t happen again to anyone else”.
Thompsons has launched a free legal helpline for families at the centre of the scandal and is urging parents to get in touch for advice regarding the situation. Anyone who has been affected by the baby ash scandal can call Thompsons free legal helpline on 08000 810 072.
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