Gillian Merron MPs statement below in response to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel's recommendations regarding the future of Lincoln's Microbiology Lab.

" I am disappointed that the result of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel's (IRP) recommendations mean that the lab will move from Lincoln to Scunthorpe."

" I share the public and staff concern about the closure and the IRP Report does confirm that the Trust and Pathlinks accept they could have better managed the situation including working more closely with staff ."

"It is welcome that the Independent Panel recommended as essential that the Lincoln Consultant Microbiologist and Control of Infection Team remain at Lincoln County Hospital and that members of staff remaining at the Lincoln site should move to more central and appropriate accommodation."

" Following this independent investigation we now need to look to the future to make sure that the service for people in Lincoln is of the highest standard which is what I will concentrate on."