Former Chief Nursing Officer Pressed to Testify Before MSPs Over Controversial Allegations
Scotland's former top nurse, Fiona McQueen, is facing mounting pressure to appear before Holyrood's Justice Committee following serious allegations that she offered financial compensation and a holiday to a bereaved family. The controversy centres on the tragic case of Sophia Smith, who died at just twelve days old in 2017 at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Allegations Raised in Parliament and Media Reports
The allegations were first brought to public attention by Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie during a Holyrood session on Tuesday. According to reports in the Scottish Mail on Sunday, Sophia's parents, Theresa and Matthew Smith, claim that during a telephone conversation, Ms McQueen – who served as Scotland's chief nursing officer from 2015 to 2021 – raised the possibility of litigation and compensation, suggesting they might receive approximately £20,000 and a holiday.
In response to these claims, a spokesperson for Ms McQueen, who currently chairs the Scottish Police Authority, issued a firm statement to the Press Association, declaring that she "strongly refutes any suggestions that she offered the Smiths money or a holiday." The spokesperson emphasised that her interactions with the family had been thoroughly reviewed as part of Sophia's Fatal Accident Inquiry and are documented in public records.
Political Pressure Mounts for Committee Appearance
Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane has been particularly vocal in demanding Ms McQueen's appearance before the Justice Committee. "She must answer questions on these alleged repulsive and crass comments," Dr Gulhane asserted. "If she was this heartless over the death of a baby, how can we trust her to be chair of the Scottish Police Authority, or hold any senior role in public life?"
Dr Gulhane directly challenged Health Secretary Neil Gray during parliamentary questioning, asking whether the Cabinet Secretary had discussed the matter with Ms McQueen and whether he supported calling her before the committee. Mr Gray responded cautiously, stating that witness selection falls under the committee's purview rather than his own. He further indicated that addressing the allegations in Parliament could potentially prejudice the ongoing Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, which is examining construction and maintenance issues at the QEUH.
Context from the Fatal Accident Inquiry
The Fatal Accident Inquiry into Sophia Smith's death concluded that the Staphylococcus infection which materially contributed to her death was not contracted at the hospital. However, evidence submitted to the inquiry included an email from Mrs Smith expressing her "shock and surprise" that Ms McQueen had raised the subject of litigation and compensation during their conversation.
While the official FAI documentation does not specify what was offered, media reports suggest the figure of £20,000 and a holiday was mentioned, with the Smiths reportedly told this amount represented the maximum they might expect from suing the health board. The FAI determination notes that Ms McQueen subsequently sent an "unreserved apology" via email after the Smiths complained about the call. According to the Mail on Sunday, Ms McQueen acknowledged in her apology that she had "strayed into an area that was inappropriate for you."
Broader Context of QEUH Scandal Allegations
These latest allegations emerge against the backdrop of the wider Queen Elizabeth University Hospital scandal. Notably, Dr Christine Peters, a key whistleblower in the QEUH investigation, previously suggested that Ms McQueen had "not just offered the families 50 grand" to another bereaved family in 2019. When questioned about this during the inquiry, Ms McQueen stated she had no recollection of making such an offer.
The developing situation places significant scrutiny on Ms McQueen's current role as chair of the Scottish Police Authority and raises broader questions about accountability and transparency in Scotland's public institutions. As political pressure intensifies, the decision whether to summon her before the Justice Committee remains pending, with potential implications for both the ongoing hospitals inquiry and public confidence in senior officials.
