Jim McCaffery, Director Acute Services and Workforce, NHS Lothian, said: "A member of staff has been suspended from work at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children following routine computer security monitoring.

"NHS Lothian co-operated fully with the resulting police investigation.

"As part of this process, and as a standard measure, a member of NHS Lothian staff has been excluded from work to allow a full and thorough examination of the allegations made.

"Staff in every part of the organisation are being reminded that we have highly skilled experts carrying out regular and unannounced monitoring of computers.

"Our contracts of employment and staff induction process make it crystal clear that our policy is one of zero tolerance.

"Breaches of the rules will result in immediate disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

"If there is any suspicion that the law has been broken we will not hesitate to involve the police.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

Eddie Egan, NHS Lothian employee director, said: "Staff representatives regard it as entirely unacceptable to use health service time and equipment to view sexually explicit and offensive material.

"We are fully supportive of management on this issue."

MAN CHARGED, EDINBURGH

Lothian and Borders Police have received several media calls today regarding an article in a Scottish newspaper about an NHS employee in Edinburgh.

The following statement can now be issued:

A Lothian And Borders Police spokesman said: 'A 57-year-old man has been arrested and charged and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.'