Families of patients treated at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow have said the hospital's leadership must face a “reckoning”, claiming flaws in the building's environment “killed and poisoned our loved ones”. The statement, released ahead of oral closing submissions to the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, accuses NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) of lying to and smearing affected families.
The inquiry has been examining the design and construction of the QEUH and the neighbouring Royal Hospital for Children, launched after the death of 10-year-old Milly Main in 2017 linked to infections. In its written closing submissions, NHSGGC accepted there was probably a “causal connection” between patient infections and the hospital environment, particularly the water system, and acknowledged pressure to open the hospital on time meant it opened “too early” and “was not ready”.
Thompsons Solicitors Scotland, representing most affected families, released a statement on their behalf on Thursday. It said: “Major flaws in the water and ventilation system at the hospital killed and poisoned our loved ones. Without our solidarity there would have been no public inquiry.” The families called for past and present leaders of NHSGGC to be held accountable.
NHSGGC offered a “sincere and unreserved apology” to patients and families, and said the QEUH and Royal Hospital for Children are safe today. The health board stated: “Comprehensive steps have been taken to address past physical defects in the building and a significant programme of maintenance and monitoring is in place.”
Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray said the government had brought forward the public inquiry so families could get answers, and it was important to allow the inquiry space to consider its final conclusions.
