Scottish Labour Leader Demands Transparency Over Glasgow Hospital Safety Failures
Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, has issued a forceful demand for the Scottish government to publish comprehensive patient safety reviews for every ward at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) campus in Glasgow. This call comes amidst what he describes as the "worst scandal in the history of the Scottish parliament", involving infections linked to multiple patient deaths.
Families Join Calls for Accountability
Sarwar made his statement alongside grieving family members, including Maureen Dynes and Kimberly Darroch, who have lost loved ones due to infections contracted at the hospital. Their presence underscores the human cost of the ongoing crisis, which has shaken public trust in healthcare provision.
The final hearings of a six-year public inquiry into the hospital's design and construction concluded recently. This inquiry was initiated by former health secretary Jeane Freeman following deaths associated with contaminated water supplies and faulty ventilation systems.
Tragic Cases Highlight Systemic Failures
Among the victims are 10-year-old Milly Main, who died in August 2017 after developing an infection during leukaemia treatment recovery, and 23-year-old Molly Cuddihy, who passed away last August. Cuddihy had previously testified to the inquiry, stating poignantly, "I was made sicker by the environment."
Sarwar emphasised that there is "precious little" evidence to suggest NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has learned from past mistakes. He challenged ministers to release full validation reports for all hospital units to ensure transparency and prevent future tragedies.
Allegations of Government Negligence
The Labour leader strongly criticised First Minister John Swinney's claim that the Scottish government only became aware of problems in March 2018. Sarwar labelled this "not credible", pointing to internal reports that raised concerns before the hospital's April 2015 opening and a red warning issued in June 2017.
He argued that the health secretary should have been notified immediately of such warnings, and the failure to act represents either "negligence or criminal incompetence". Sarwar has previously called for a corporate manslaughter investigation to be expanded to include serving government ministers at the time.
Pressure to Open Despite Known Risks
Recent revelations from the health board indicate that the building was not ready for opening, but "pressure was applied to open ... on time and on budget". Sarwar demands answers: "who applied the pressure and why?" This follows an internal report warning of high infection risks for immunocompromised children just weeks before the hospital launched.
Families Appeal for Justice and Prevention
Kimberly Darroch, mother of Milly Main, appealed directly to the health board to "finally do the right thing" by admitting failures and implementing changes. She expressed gratitude to three senior doctors who courageously raised early concerns about infection control, only to be dismissed by hospital management.
Darroch stated, "The Scottish government's inaction failed us and our children", highlighting a systemic breakdown in accountability and patient safeguarding.
The Scottish government has been approached for comment as calls for transparency and justice grow louder.
