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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
|---|---|
| Man's body 'had lain for a year' | Man's body 'had lain for a year' |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| The case of a pensioner whose body may have lain undiscovered at his home for more than a year has raised "serious questions", the first minister said. | The case of a pensioner whose body may have lain undiscovered at his home for more than a year has raised "serious questions", the first minister said. |
| William Hunter, an ex-serviceman from Easter Ross, was found at his home in Milton of Kildary 14 months after his death, the Scottish Parliament heard. | William Hunter, an ex-serviceman from Easter Ross, was found at his home in Milton of Kildary 14 months after his death, the Scottish Parliament heard. |
| Local MSP Jamie Stone claimed housing and health authorities had failed in their responsibilities. | Local MSP Jamie Stone claimed housing and health authorities had failed in their responsibilities. |
| First Minister Alex Salmond said the facts of the case were not yet clear. | |
| Mr Hunter's remains were found on 8 February when his landlord, Albyn Housing Society, asked for police help to gain access to his bungalow. | Mr Hunter's remains were found on 8 February when his landlord, Albyn Housing Society, asked for police help to gain access to his bungalow. |
| It is understood the 72-year-old had been terminally ill. | It is understood the 72-year-old had been terminally ill. |
| It raises serious questions that must be addressed in that manner Alex SalmondFirst minister | It raises serious questions that must be addressed in that manner Alex SalmondFirst minister |
| Raising the case during question time at Holyrood, Mr Stone - the MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross - said the case sent out a "terrifying message" to the elderly and the terminally ill living alone. | Raising the case during question time at Holyrood, Mr Stone - the MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross - said the case sent out a "terrifying message" to the elderly and the terminally ill living alone. |
| The Liberal Democrat asked the first minister: "In a civilised and technologically-advanced society, how is it possible for a housing association and the NHS to fail to follow up the disappearance of a terminally ill man? | The Liberal Democrat asked the first minister: "In a civilised and technologically-advanced society, how is it possible for a housing association and the NHS to fail to follow up the disappearance of a terminally ill man? |
| "How is it possible that it takes more than a year for people to start asking the right questions?" | "How is it possible that it takes more than a year for people to start asking the right questions?" |
| Mr Salmond said it was too early to make a definitive comment, but told MSPs: "In terms of the weaknesses which may or may not be the part of the housing association or the NHS, there's an independent regulator who will look into these matters." | Mr Salmond said it was too early to make a definitive comment, but told MSPs: "In terms of the weaknesses which may or may not be the part of the housing association or the NHS, there's an independent regulator who will look into these matters." |
| He added: "It raises serious questions that must be addressed in that manner". | He added: "It raises serious questions that must be addressed in that manner". |
| NHS Highland said its early investigations had shown all procedures were followed in its dealings with Mr Hunter. | |
| Community Health Partnership General Manager Gill McVicar said the health authority was sadden by the circumstances surrounding his death. | |
| She added: "When someone with a terminal illness goes home after their hospital treatment is complete their GP practice is informed. | |
| "Practice staff and district nurses would then make contact with the patient to find out what their wishes are for ongoing care." | |
| Albyn Housing Society, a registered charity which has more than 2,000 properties for rent and low-cost home ownership, said its staff had tried to contact Mr Hunter on a number of occasions over several months. | Albyn Housing Society, a registered charity which has more than 2,000 properties for rent and low-cost home ownership, said its staff had tried to contact Mr Hunter on a number of occasions over several months. |
| It added that concerns raised by one of its housing officers had led to police being called. | It added that concerns raised by one of its housing officers had led to police being called. |
| Police investigation | Police investigation |
| A spokesman said: "The police's enquiries led to the discovery of Mr Hunter's body in his home. | A spokesman said: "The police's enquiries led to the discovery of Mr Hunter's body in his home. |
| "Albyn Housing Society Ltd has provided the information that the police have requested about Mr Hunter and his tenancy. | "Albyn Housing Society Ltd has provided the information that the police have requested about Mr Hunter and his tenancy. |
| "Albyn Housing Society Ltd will continue to provide what help it can to the police with their investigation into the death of Mr Hunter." | "Albyn Housing Society Ltd will continue to provide what help it can to the police with their investigation into the death of Mr Hunter." |
| Neighbours in his street, which is made up of terraced houses, assumed he was in hospital when he was not seen locally. | Neighbours in his street, which is made up of terraced houses, assumed he was in hospital when he was not seen locally. |
| A report on the case will be submitted to the procurator fiscal, Northern Constabulary said. | A report on the case will be submitted to the procurator fiscal, Northern Constabulary said. |