John Swinney has insisted that Scotland's £1 billion super hospital is safe, despite families of patients affected by an infection scandal warning otherwise. The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow is the subject of a public inquiry after several vulnerable patients died and dozens more fell seriously ill due to infections linked to contaminated water and ventilation systems.
The First Minister was sent a letter last weekend, signed by relatives of 27 patients who died or suffered infections, calling for more reassurances about the hospital's safety. The letter, signed by 91 people, stated: 'We believe it is right that you hear our position, in our words, direct from the people who have lost their children, their soul mates and those whose lives have been forever changed.' It added that the mismanagement of risk was 'a matter at the door of the infection and protection control team'.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHS GGC) has been named as a suspect in a corporate homicide probe into the deaths of four patients, including 10-year-old Milly Main and 73-year-old Gail Armstrong. Investigators are also examining the deaths of Andrew Slorance, 49, Tony Dynes, 63, and Molly Cuddihy, 23. The relatives of these patients are among the signatories of the letter.
Swinney responded: 'I understand entirely the concern that is expressed by families who have lost loved ones... I believe the hospital to be safe.' He pointed to the independent public inquiry led by Lord Brodie, which examined the water and ventilation systems, as giving him confidence. The Health Secretary has also established a 'clinical oversight group' of independent experts to address concerns.
An NHS GGC spokeswoman previously stated: 'We want to reassure patients and families that the QEUH and Royal Hospital for Children are safe today... Comprehensive steps have been taken to address past physical defects in the building.' The public inquiry and a Crown Office investigation into seven deaths remain ongoing.
