In a heated exchange at First Minister’s Questions, John Swinney, the Deputy First Minister at the time, has vehemently denied claims that the Scottish government pressured the opening of the country’s largest hospital, the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow, despite safety concerns over its water system.
The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde board had earlier admitted that infections in some child cancer patients were likely linked to the hospital’s water system, and that pressure had been applied for the QEUH to open before it was ready. However, Swinney repeatedly rejected these allegations, stating that the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry would uncover the “truth” that bereaved families deserve.
Families of patients who suffered or died after contracting infections at the QEUH have accused the authorities of “lying”, “demeaning” and “smearing” them. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar suggested that there was either “negligence or criminal incompetence” if a report on the water system’s issues was not seen by ministers, adding that the hospital was opened “even though it had contaminated water that risked lives.”
Swinney maintained that the Scottish government was not made aware of the water contamination until 2018, three years after the hospital’s opening. He also stated that he would be “happy” to release any relevant documents to the ongoing Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, which is currently hearing closing submissions.
The opposition has called for the dismissal of those at the health board who have been accused of “smearing” bereaved families. Swinney, however, argued that the operational responsibility lies with the health board, not the Scottish government.
As the controversy surrounding the QEUH continues, the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry is expected to provide the “truth” that the families and the public seek, shedding light on the decision-making process and the potential failures that led to the premature opening of the hospital despite the known safety concerns.
