Inquiry Counsel Delivers Scathing Assessment of Health Board's Response
The senior counsel for the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry has delivered a damning verdict on NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's response to infection-related tragedies at Glasgow's flagship hospital complex. Fred Mackintosh KC told the inquiry's final hearing day that there remains "precious little" evidence the health board has genuinely learned necessary lessons or implemented meaningful change.
Delayed Acceptance Hampered Inquiry Work
Mr Mackintosh revealed the inquiry's task had been made "more difficult" by the health board's prolonged resistance to acknowledging problems. He stated that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde had long insisted there was no evidence supporting patient safety concerns that originally prompted the inquiry's establishment in 2020.
"Much of the work of the inquiry team has been spent attempting to work out whether there was a link between patient infections and identified, unsafe features of the water and ventilation system," he explained during Friday's proceedings in Edinburgh.
Families' Devastating Testimony
The inquiry, which has cost over £31 million to date, was established following deaths linked to infections at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Royal Hospital for Children campus. This includes the tragic 2017 death of 10-year-old Milly Main.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, affected families described how building flaws had "killed and poisoned our loved ones." They accused the health board of being "deceitful and dishonest" and called on politicians to address what they claim remains an unsafe building.
Health Board's Written Admissions
In written closing submissions, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has now accepted a probable "causal connection" between patient infections and the hospital environment, particularly the water system. The board has offered a "sincere and unreserved apology" to affected patients and families.
The health board also admitted three whistleblowers were not treated "as they ought to have been" and that the process significantly impacted their wellbeing.
Counsel Challenges 'Bald Assertions' of Learning
Mr Mackintosh specifically challenged what he called the "bald, unsupported assertion" from NHSGGC that it had learned lessons from the crisis. He emphasised that words alone are insufficient without demonstrable action.
"There is precious little to suggest the board has really changed," he stated. "The words are there, we've yet to see any real action to suggest anyone other than its chair and chief executive – who I would definitely except from the criticism I've just made – there is any real appreciation of what needs to change."
He called for immediate action rather than waiting for inquiry chairman Lord Brodie's final report, suggesting members of the corporate management team require retraining.
Management's 'Wilful Blindness' Criticised
The senior counsel further criticised health board managers for displaying what he described as "wilful blindness" by failing to ask necessary questions about hospital building safety. He noted the board's "delayed acceptance" regarding paediatric infections likely being linked to the water system.
Health Board's Friday Response
In a statement released on Friday, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said it must respect the integrity of ongoing legal processes but reiterated its apology to affected families. The board sought to reassure patients, families and staff that both hospitals are "safe today" with comprehensive steps taken to address past physical defects.
The statement acknowledged "issues with past culture and communication" and committed to continuing improvement in governance and oversight. It encouraged employees with concerns to come forward directly.
Inquiry's Next Steps
As hearings concluded, Lord Brodie acknowledged he still has "much work" before submitting his final report. He thanked the inquiry team, noting that 186 witnesses have provided evidence throughout the proceedings.
The inquiry has examined the design and construction of both hospitals on the Glasgow campus, with its findings eagerly awaited by families who have waited years for answers and accountability.
