In hot water
Health minister knew about bug in cancer ward supply days ago She apologises as 4th child falls ill and more wards become affected
HEALTH Secretary Shona Robison apologised yesterday to parents and children hit by the contamination of water at a flagship hospital.
Patients have been unable to bathe for almost three weeks following the discovery of bacteria in the supply on wards 2a, 2b and 3c in the Schiehallion Unit in Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children.
The Record told on Friday how three child cancer patients were affected. Hospital bosses yesterday confirmed a fourth child is showing symptoms and has been readmitted. Questioned
by Labour MSP Anas Sarwar at Holyrood yesterday, Robison admitted she had been aware of the situation since March 11. She told MSPs “appropriate precautionary measures” were being taken by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) to protect patients. All patients in the wards were given oral antibiotics because the bacteria can be harmful to those whose immunity is compromised. Testing has also been extended to four wards at the neighbouring Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH).
Robison said: “I absolutely understand the worry and concern of parents.
“Of course I would apologise to the parents and the children but I am sure everyone would understand the most important thing here is safety.
“These are complex issues and need to be fully investigated.”
NHSGGC said: “Three children continue to receive treatments for infections that may be linked to bacteria in the water supply.
“Tests are ongoing to confirm if they are indeed linked. A fourth patient has shown symptoms and has been readmitted.
“There are no reports of any patient being infected by bacteria from water in the adult wards.”
Sarwar said: “Parents have had to take children with cancer in taxis to other facilities to wash.
“That is unacceptable – and the lack of transparency from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has made the situation worse.”