EIS urges medical screening in North Lanarkshire schools

Scottish union EIS has called for medical screening to be available at Buchanan and St Ambrose High school in North Lanarkshire following health concerns associated with the site of the two schools, which were built on a former landfill site.

The EIS has repeatedly said that medical screening is required in order to start rebuilding trust between the school community and the local authority.

The EIS call comes as a new analysis of the Independent Review of the school campus has highlighted concerns over the methodology adopted by the review group.

Commenting, EIS General Secretary Larry Flanagan said, "It is essential that North Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire work to rebuild trust with the school community, including the pupils and staff at Buchanan and St Ambrose high schools."

"The EIS calls upon the Site Recovery Group, established following the Independent Review, to move forward and facilitate medical screening for all pupils and staff who wish it in these two schools.

"The EIS has noted the concerns expressed in the analysis published yesterday by Professor Andrew Watterson of the University of Stirling, over the methodology adopted by the Independent Review group. It is, therefore, even more important that these screening tests should be undertaken to allay fears."

"The more obfuscation and delay from the authorities in North Lanarkshire, the more suspicious and anxious the community becomes."

"Medical screening can be undertaken fairly cheaply and could provide long-overdue reassurance to pupils and staff within these two schools, as well as identifying any possible issues which may require further medical investigation."