Hospital deaths: More than 20 families at centre of ‘huge’ probe
MORE than 20 families will give evidence at an inquiry into Scotland’s crisis-hit hospitals.
The flagship Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) is at the centre of a probe into a water contamination crisis linked to the death of a child cancer patient.
Meanwhile, it emerged in 2019 two patients died after contracting an infection linked to pigeon droppings and thought to have been spread via contaminated air vents.
The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, led by Lord Brodie, will seek to shine a light on the Glasgow superhospital’s alleged failings.
It will also look at the delayed opening of the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh, amid concerns its ventilation system did not meet national safety guidance.
Investigators have begun gathering evidence from 43 parents and relatives who have been named as ‘core participants’.
They have been asked to share their views on the care they or their loved ones received, including at the £842 million QEUH. Among them is Kimberly Darroch, mother of ten-year-old Milly Main, who contracted an infection and died at the QEUH four years ago.
Charmaine Lacock, 41, whose daughter Paige Rawson, three, has received treatment for leukaemia there, will also give her testimony.
Last night, Anas Sarwar, Glasgow MSP and Scottish Labour leadership candidate, said the volume of ‘core participants’ revealed the ‘huge scale’ of the inquiry.
He said every family deserved answers, adding: ‘There is a huge amount of pressure on this public inquiry, which must restore public confidence and trust.’
The inquiry has promised to explore issues relating to ventilation, water contamination and other matters which may have affected patient safety and care.
It was ordered by Health Secretary Jeane Freeman last year after a number of patients’ families raised safety concerns.
Milly, who had leukaemia, had a successful stem cell transplant in July 2017 and was making a good recovery. But the next month a catheter administering drugs became infected. She went into toxic shock and died on August 31.
Her death certificate lists an infection of the catheter among the possible causes of death.
Her mother, Ms Darroch, 36, from Lanark, believes Milly died as a result of contaminated water at the hospital and began legal action against NHS Greater Glasgow and
Clyde (NHSGGC). Leaked reports indicated that the health board was told areas of the QEUH campus were at a ‘high risk’ of infection before it opened in 2015.
Another two reports, leaked to Mr Sarwar, suggested issues at the hospital in 2017 and 2018.
Last night, the inquiry confirmed it would hold the first of around three weeks of public hearings on September 20.
A spokesman said: ‘They will be an opportunity for those who have been affected by issues at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus, Glasgow, and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Edinburgh, to share their experiences.’
Chairman Lord Brodie said: ‘The first priority of the inquiry is to understand the experiences of affected patients and their families and this evidence will be crucial.’
Mr Sarwar pledged: ‘I will not rest until Milly’s family and all affected families get the justice they deserve.’
An NHSGGC spokesman said: ‘We welcome the Scottish Hospitals Public Inquiry and will participate fully in that process.’
‘Must restore public confidence and trust’