FROM OUR ARCHIVES

5 YEARS AGO

Concerns inspectors are glossing over problems in hospitals have been raised after details of overcrowding were left out of a report. Papers show concerns about too many beds in wards were raised during a hygiene inspection at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley. Feedback given to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde states: “The bed spacing in the day surgery unit does not comply with minimum bed-spacing requirements.” No reference to the problem appeared in the subsequent report by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. 10 YEARS AGO

The downturn in the UK economy is worse than previously thought, according to the UK s largest employers’ organisation, which has warned of uncomfortable times ahead. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has told members there is no doubt the mood has darkened in the last two or three months and admits its initial growth estimates were over-optimistic. Richard Lambert, CBI director general, said in a letter to members that the economy’s growth prospects for next year and into 2010 look no better than anaemic. 25 YEARS AGO

Glasgow District Council is proposing far-reaching changes at the city’s world-renowned Mitchell Library, which houses Western Europe’s largest public reference collection. Users and anxious unions fear radical changes could lead to a severely truncated service, with effects on tourism and business growth. The council rejects such interpretations. Its proposals, including rationalisation of staff hours, are couched in the neutral language of good civic housekeeping and carefully considered use of public funds.