A new report from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland (HMICS) has raised concern that medical services available to people held in police custody varies across Scotland.

One of the report's main recommendations is that individual police forces work with local authorities and health agencies to put in place best practice for dealing with drunk and incapable people held in custody.

It further recommends the police service takes part in research looking at the best ways of dealing with these people and ensure they work with the NHS, while in the long-term the responsibility for medical services should be transferred to the NHS.

The Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Paddy Tomkins, explained: "We have found that the level of medical services provided is varied across Scotland.

"This is mostly due to the piecemeal way in which provision has evolved across the country. However, I believe that there are some issues that need to be addressed to ensure those in police custody have access to suitable medical services.

"People who are in police custody may need medical attention for a range of reasons. Whether it is sudden illness, assessment of fitness for interview or because they are drunk and incapable, police forces have a duty of care to individuals in custody."

The report suggests that Tayside Psychiatric Assessment Protocol should be used as an example of good practice for other forces to adopt.