Glasgow hospital still unsafe, infection-link families say in letter to Swinney

The letter, signed by relatives of 27 patients who have died or suffered infections, says more reassurances are needed around the safety of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH).

An inquiry is examining the hospital due to patient deaths and infections linked to contaminated water and ventilation systems.

The Crown Office is also examining the deaths of seven patients at the hospital, examining possible links to the hospital environment.

The letter to the First Minister, signed by 91 people, says: “We believe it is right that you hear our position, in our words, direct from the people who have lost their children, their soul mates and those whose lives have been forever changed…

“While our journeys started at different times, we share one common aim – no family should ever again go through what we have.”

When the issue was raised at First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, Mr Swinney said the water and ventilation system management at the hospital has seen significant improvements, describing it as “exceeding standard guidance”.

However the letter from the families says more clarity is needed on what standards the hospital is complying with, claiming the current ventilation system poses a risk to immunocompromised patients.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The First Minister thanks the families for their letter and recognises their dedication to engaging with the independent public inquiry, despite the pain and distress this will inevitably be causing.

“The Scottish Government brought forward the public inquiry so that families and patients can get the truth they deserve. It is right that Lord Brodie be given the time and space to reach his conclusions without political influence or interference.

“Our priority is to ensure that patients, families, staff and the public have full confidence in the safety of facilities and the environment in which services are delivered within the QEUH and Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) today.”

She continued: “NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde has now received two positive independent reports from December and January showing their water and ventilation systems are fully compliant.

“These reports will also be reviewed by the new safety and public confidence oversight group, established by the Health Secretary, which will include representation from patients, whistleblowers and staff.

“Enhanced reporting will be established with the Government, who will provide scrutiny, challenge and support to the delivery of NHSGGC’s programme of work.”

The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board has denied facing political pressure to open the hospital early.

During FMQs last week Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar accused the Government of ignoring a report about the safety of the children’s hospital at the QEUH campus before it opened.

Mr Swinney accused his opponent of playing politics with the issue and urged him to “respect” Lord Brodie’s ongoing Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.

A spokeswoman for NHSGGC said: “We want to reassure patients and families that the QEUHand RHC are safe today.

“This is highlighted by evidence given by the independent expert Mr Andrew Poplett to the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry. Comprehensive steps have been taken to address past physical defects in the building, and a significant and ongoing programme of maintenance and monitoring is in place. We remain focused on providing safe, high-quality care for all patients.”