"The new hospital does have all the latest innovations that are required as part of the City of Edinburgh Council requirements, the fire authority requirements and the building memoranda from the government, so we comply fully with everything that is necessary in terms of the fire safety for our patients and staff in the new building, " he said.

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However, the chief prosecutor in the Shepard case testified against the proposal, saying the only thing local prosecutors need from the federal government is funding to deal with the requirements of trying such cases.

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"It's very low tech and the basic requirements are that the police and local government and health meet from time to time in an organised way, " Prof Shepherd said.

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