Scots firefighters say lives could be at risk over failure to secure new IT system to handle 999 calls
dailyrecord.co.ukFirefighters have warned lives could be at risk after tendering for a new 999 mobilisation system failed to attract any bidders.
Union officials say antiquated existing IT software which was supposed to have been replaced six years ago is no longer fit for purpose and could fail at any time leaving emergency response teams in crisis.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) signed a £10million deal with French company Systel six years ago, but it failed to materialise.And the Sunday Mail can reveal Assistant Chief Officer David Lockhart informed colleagues last week a new tendering process launched in recent months has not received any responses.Labour MSP Katy Clark said: “The situation in fire control rooms has been precarious for a long time.
Understaffing is putting enough pressures on staff but having to operate with an IT system that is not fit for purpose compounds these problems.“The unwillingness of contractors to bid for this project is a very serious concern.
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