Family question ‘ridiculous’ delay before QEUH inquiry
THE dad of a girl in intensive care after contracting a fungal infection at Glasgow’s flagship hospital has told the Scottish Government: “We need answers.”
Charly Bisset was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare cancer of white blood cells, in January.
The seven-year-old, from Peebles in the Borders, hasn’t responded to chemotherapy.
She was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for a stem-cell transplant on July 21 and has been there ever since.
Charly’s heartbroken parents, BY KATHLEEN SPEIRS kathleen.speirs@reachplc.com Mark, 51 and Kirsty, 41, still don’t know if the transplant was a success as she’s been struck down with two infections.
The schoolgirl developed adenovirus, an infection of the membrane, which had been in her system before the transplant.
Six weeks ago, the Bisset family discovered that Charly contracted aspergillus, a rare fungal infection, during her time in hospital. Mark told the Record: “We do not know if our daughter is safe.
“When I looked into aspergillus, I realised it was an air and water borne disease.
“I read that in hospitals, it’s most likely to come from dodgy ventilators and water supply.
“We read stories in the press about ventilator issues and from day one in the Queen Elizabeth, we’ve been told to only drink bottled water.
“But Charly has to shower, wash her hands and brush her teeth with the tap water, so it doesn’t make sense. It’s terrifying.” The Government this week announced a public inquiry to examine deaths linked to pigeon droppings at the QEUH and delays to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh.
A child and another patient died at the QEUH after catching an infection related to bird excrement.
And the £150million children’s hospital was due to open this summer but has been delayed until 2020 amid safety issues. Tesco worker Mark questioned why it has taken so long to launch the probe.
The dad of five said: “I’m pleased the inquiry is happening but it’s totally ridiculous that it’s taken so long. We need answers.”
A spokesman from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde told the Record: “We’re sorry to hear the patient’s family feels they have not been kept fully updated.
“The patient continues to be appropriately treated and the family have been kept fully informed of her treatment.”