The senior counsel for the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry has delivered a scathing assessment of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's response to infection scandals at Glasgow's flagship hospital, stating there is "precious little" evidence the health board has implemented necessary changes.
Final Day Hearings Reveal Critical Shortcomings
On the concluding day of hearings at the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, Fred Mackintosh KC challenged what he described as the "bald, unsupported assertion" from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde that it had learned lessons from infection problems at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus.
Mr Mackintosh emphasised that while the health board's chair and chief executive might be exempt from criticism, there remains insufficient evidence of genuine organisational transformation.
Delayed Acceptance Hampered Inquiry Progress
The inquiry heard that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's prolonged resistance to acknowledging infection problems significantly complicated the investigation's work. Mr Mackintosh revealed that much of the inquiry team's efforts were dedicated to establishing connections between patient infections and identified safety issues within the hospital's water and ventilation systems.
He noted the health board has now reached a "delayed acceptance" regarding paediatric infections likely being linked to the water system, but this acknowledgment came after substantial investigative effort.
Whistleblower Treatment and Cultural Failings
In written submissions, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde admitted that three whistleblowers were not treated appropriately and that "the process had a significant impact on their wellbeing." The health board also accepted there was probably a "causal connection" between infections suffered by patients and the hospital environment, particularly the water system.
Mr Mackintosh criticised what he described as a "wilful blindness" among health board managers who failed to ask crucial questions about the hospital building's safety features.
Families' Devastating Testimony
A joint statement from families affected by hospital infections delivered a powerful indictment, stating that flaws in the building's environment had "killed and poisoned our loved ones." The families expressed their devastation, noting that some loved ones had died while others face lifelong consequences from their infections.
The statement accused the health board of being "deceitful and dishonest" and called on politicians to take action, maintaining that the building remains unsafe despite reassurances from NHS authorities.
Health Board's Response and Apology
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde released a statement offering a "sincere and unreserved apology" to affected patients and families while attempting to reassure the public that the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Royal Hospital for Children are safe today.
The health board outlined comprehensive steps taken to address past physical defects in the building and emphasised an ongoing programme of maintenance and monitoring. They acknowledged issues with past culture and communication while committing to continued improvement.
Inquiry Costs and Next Steps
The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, launched in 2020 following deaths linked to infections including that of 10-year-old Milly Main in 2017, has now reached total costs exceeding £31 million. The inquiry has examined the design and construction of both hospitals on the Glasgow campus.
As hearings concluded in Edinburgh, inquiry chairman Lord Brodie acknowledged he still has "much work" to complete before submitting his final report. He thanked the inquiry team for their work, noting that 186 witnesses have given evidence throughout the proceedings.
Mr Mackintosh concluded by urging the health board not to wait for Lord Brodie's report before implementing necessary changes, calling specifically for retraining of members of the corporate management team to address both organisational culture and practical responses to safety evidence presented over the past decade.
