CANNABIS DISCOVERED AT HOSPITAL ADDICT UNIT

AN investigation has been carried out after cannabis was found in a secure
unit for recovering addicts at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.

The small amount of cannabis, believed to be worth UKP40, was found in an
open area of the Orchard Clinic, which helps people battling drug and
alcohol addiction.

Dr Mike Winter, medical director of NHS Lothian primary and community
division, confirmed the find and said appropriate action had been taken.

"I can confirm that a very small amount of cannabis was found in the
Orchard Clinic," he said.

"The NHS Lothian primary and community division has a tight policy on the
issue of alcohol and drugs in terms of both patients and staff.

"We work closely with the police concerning these matters, and have regular
meetings between a liaison group which has members from both the trust and
the police."

The drugs were found on April 2 and the incident was reported to a charge
nurse.

It is understood nurses were questioned about the discovery, but that no
disciplinary action has been taken.

A spokesman for the hospital said it would be "almost impossible" to find
out who the drugs had belonged to.

"It is impossible to determine where this came from, as it was found in an
area that is open to both staff and patients, so it could ave been anyone,"
he said.

"The correct procedures have been followed, though because of the
difficulty in finding out where this came from it is unlikely there will be
disciplinary action taken."