NHS sues 4 firms for £73million over infection hospital
HEALTH bosses are suing four firms that built Scotland’s crisishit superhospital for £73million.
A health board yesterday published legal action seeking compensation for ‘defects’ at the £850million campus.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has served a summons on four firms for money spent repairing defects at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children.
The complex, which only became fully operational in 2016, has suffered problems with its ventilation, water supply, glazing, doors, heating and roof.
NHSGGC claims the firms – Multiplex, Capita Property and Infrastructure, BPY Holdings LP and Currie and Brown UK Limited – did not meet the requirements in design, commissioning or building stages in a number of areas. The current estimation of damages and losses is nearly £73million.
NHSGGC said it published the summons due to the ‘public interest in the hospitals and legal proceedings’. Last night Multiplex said it was ‘extremely disappointed’ at the move. The other companies were also contacted but did not comment.
It follows a number of deaths including that of Milly Main, a tenyear-old cancer patient who died from an infection at the Royal Hospital for Children in 2017.
Her death has been reported to the procurator fiscal amid fears it may have been linked to contaminated water. Jane Grant, chief executive of the health board, said: ‘We would assure patients and their families that patient safety is paramount and that patient care at the two hospitals is of a high standard.
‘Whilst we are now taking legal action on a number of design and installation issues, it is important to stress that the hospitals continue to provide safe and effective care. A significant amount of work has already taken place including the remedial action on the water supply and the ventilation. We know that patients, families and staff have been caused concern as the issues have emerged and I am sorry for any distress caused.’
Scottish Labour health spokesman Monica Lennon said: ‘Safety risks at Scotland’s flagship hospital can no longer be ignored and responsibility must be taken.’
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Significant work, including a public inquiry and an independent review, are under way to address concerns that have been raised about the QEUH.
‘We are continuing to work closely with NHSGGC to ensure that the issues at the QEUH are resolved.’