MSPs WILL be the first to know exactly what went wrong in the confidential documents debacle at Strathmartine Hospital on the outskirts of Dundee, writes Marjory Inglis, health reporter.

A full report, to be placed before the parliament, is expected by the summer.

The Scottish Government ordered an investigation after it emerged publicly that confidential documents had been left strewn around the dilapidated buildings long after the site had been sold to a developer.

The documents contained personal details on a baby born an alcoholic and other children with complex physical and learning difficulties who were adopted from the former institution.

The UK information watchdog also ordered an investigation.

Last Friday NHS Tayside submitted its own internal report to the Scottish Government.

Asked what progress had been made regarding the Scottish Government’s own investigation, a spokesperson said, “The Scottish Government has undertaken to commission an investigation, produce recommendations and share findings with Parliament.

“The detailed points of investigation will be finalised once we learn from the Information Commission what they would expect to see covered.

“We also envisage that NHS Quality Improvement Scotland will play a key role and that this report will be produced this summer.

“NHS Tayside, who have apologised unreservedly, have removed all papers from the areas the media had previously visited.”

After the Strathmartine incident, the chief executive of the NHS, Dr Kevin Woods, wrote to all health boards to seek assurances about the proper conduct of their duties in relation to confidential patient records.

He reminded boards that medical records are the responsibility of the NHS boards holding them.