Angry parents accuse board of cover-up
PARENTS of children treated at Scotland’s flagship superhospital have accused health chiefs of a cover-up over the water scandal.
Fifteen concerned mothers and fathers yesterday demanded answers from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) about water-borne infections at Glasgow’s crisis-hit Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH).
At a meeting with local Labour MSP Anas Sarwar, the group condemned the health board as ‘not fit for purpose’.
Last night, mother Charmaine Lacock, a spokeswoman for the parents, said: ‘We don’t believe we are being told the truth about infections from water at the QEUH.
‘We have no confidence in the board and don’t believe it is fit for purpose.
‘Those responsible should not remain in place while the investigation happens, as it compromises the investigation. We don’t believe the hospital should have been opened if senior managers knew it was high-risk. We want answers now.’
A report leaked last week indicated that the health board was told areas of the
£842 million QEUH campus were at a ‘high risk’ of infection before it opened in 2015. Another two reports, leaked to Mr Sarwar, suggest issues were pervasive at the hospital in 2017 and last year.
The deaths of three children have been linked to water contamination.
Mr Sarwar said: ‘Dozens of worried parents have been in touch. Having heard of the trauma they have been through, enough is enough. Senior managers at the hospital must be moved aside to ensure there is a full and independent inquiry.’
Last night, NHSGGC chief executive Jane Grant said she was ‘truly sorry’ parents remain concerned and those with worries could contact her to arrange a meeting.