Porters accused of drinking suspended

Six hospital porters have been suspended over allegations they were drinking alcohol while on duty.

The alleged incident took place at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh on New Year’s Day.

NHS Lothian has launched an investigation and has said it is treating the incident “extremely seriously”.

George Curley, director of operations, said: “We are investigating allegations into a small number of portering staff drinking alcohol whilst on duty at the Western General Hospital on Wednesday.

“NHS Lothian takes any instances of this nature extremely seriously and as a result of this incident six members of staff have been suspended, and a full investigation is under way.

“These suspensions had no impact on patients within the hospital and the work of the individuals involved was carried out by other colleagues.”

It is believed a nurse found the porters drinking in a staff room and reported the incident.

Porters do not have contact with patients but move linen around the hospital as well as other tasks.