The letter, signed by relatives of 27 patients who have died or suffered infections, says more reassurances are needed around the safety of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH
Families of those affected by infections linked to a flagship hospital in Glasgow have written to John Swinney, saying the facility is still not safe.
The letter, signed by relatives of 27 patients who have died or suffered infections, says more reassurances are needed around the safety of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH). An inquiry is examining the hospital due to patient deaths and infections linked to contaminated water and ventilation systems.
The Crown Office is also examining the deaths of seven patients at the hospital, examining possible links to the hospital environment. The letter to the First Minister, signed by 91 people, was first reported in the Mail On Sunday.
It said: “We believe it is right that you hear our position, in our words, direct from the people who have lost their children, their soul mates and those whose lives have been forever changed… While our journeys started at different times, we share one common aim – no family should ever again go through what we have.”
When the issue was raised at First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, Mr Swinney said the water and ventilation system management at the hospital has seen significant improvements, describing it as “exceeding standard guidance”. However the letter from the families says more clarity is needed on what standards the hospital is complying with, claiming the current ventilation system poses a risk to immunocompromised patients.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman told the newspaper the public inquiry was established “so that families and patients can get the truth that they deserve”.
She added: “The First Minister thanks the families for their letter, and recognises their dedication to engaging with the inquiry, despite the pain and distress this will inevitably be causing.”
The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board has denied facing political pressure to open the hospital early.
During FMQs on Thursday, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar accused the Government of ignoring a report about the safety of the children’s hospital at the QEUH campus before it opened. Mr Swinney accused his opponent of playing politics with the issue and urged him to “respect” Lord Brodie’s ongoing Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.
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