In a scathing submission to the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, families of patients who suffered or died after contracting infections at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow have accused the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) health board of lying, demeaning, and smearing them.
The QEUH complex, which opened in 2015, has since been acknowledged by NHSGGC to have opened too early and faced design flaws. The health board has admitted that infections in some cancer patients were likely linked to issues with the hospital’s water system, offering a “sincere and unreserved” apology to the affected patients and families.
In their closing submissions to the inquiry, the families, represented by Thompson Solicitors, stated that major flaws in the hospital’s water and ventilation systems “killed and poisoned our loved ones.” They accused NHSGGC of deceit, disbelief, and demeaning treatment, saying their families were “devastated” and their lives “traumatised” by the board’s actions.
The families have called for those responsible to be held accountable and stripped of their pensions, and have urged political leaders to take action. They have also thanked the “many brave and decent clinicians and staff” who tried to speak out but were “silenced” by the health board.
In response, NHSGGC has stated that “comprehensive steps have been taken to address past physical defects in the building” and that a “significant programme of maintenance and monitoring is in place.” The board has also said that its staff are “committed to providing safe, high-quality care.”
The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, which has been investigating the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of hospitals, is currently hearing final submissions before publishing a report later this year. The inquiry was prompted by concerns about patient safety following a series of infections and several deaths, including that of 10-year-old Milly Main.
The families’ allegations of deceit and mistreatment have added to the growing scrutiny surrounding the QEUH and the broader issues facing Scotland’s healthcare system. As the inquiry continues, the public will be watching closely to see if those responsible are held accountable and whether meaningful changes are implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of patients.
