Parents tell of stench of sewage on kids’ wards

FAMILIES of children being treated for cancer at Scotland’s flagship hospital have raised new concerns about its wards.

Issues at the £842million Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow include a smell of sewage, rooms not being cleaned properly, a lack of kitchen facilities, problems with televisions and blinds and a lack of space.

The concerns were published by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) as part of its attempt to be more transparent after patient deaths and fears over the safety of the complex.

But Labour health spokesman Monica Lennon said: ‘The public needs confidence that our hospitals are safe and fit for purpose, and immediate steps must be taken at the QEUH.’

NHSGGC chiefs have faced a string of problems with the new campus, including the deaths of

‘Immediate steps must be taken’

two patients who had an infection linked to pigeon droppings. Problems with the water supply and ventilation systems also emerged, although the health board insists the water is safe.

At least 50 issues were raised by families in a meeting last October and these were published, with responses, by NHSGGC yesterday.

The health board has assured families the hospital is safe and cleaned regularly, and apologised where there have been any shortcomings. It is also creating a children’s play space and a parents’ kitchen and social space.

Jane Grant, chief executive of NHSGGC, said: ‘Families should be reassured that infection rates at present are within expected levels and the hospital is safe.’

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘The board have rightly taken urgent steps to address the concerns raised.’