Glasgow hospital infection families given point of contact

The Health Secretary has appointed a “single point of contact'' for families and patients at Glasgow hospitals which have been hit by infection outbreaks.

Jeane Freeman said Professor Craig White will review the concerns of patients and their families.

Friday's announcement comes after Ms Freeman met with families and paediatric patients at Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH).

A number of issues were raised during the meeting, and families said they want more information from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde on infection control initiatives, work ongoing in areas of the hospital, and the outcome and timeline of safety measures put in place by the board.

The Chief Nursing Officer has also asked Health Protection Scotland to launch an external probe into the board's data on bloodstream infection and prevention and control measures.

Earlier this year, two patients at QEUH died after contracting an infection related to pigeon droppings.

Following the meeting, Ms Freeman said: “I am very grateful to the families for their time and for the frank and open way they detailed their concerns and feelings with me about the impact these concerns have had on their lives.

“All the information they have asked for is information they're entitled to and should receive.

“Some of the questions raised by families will be answered by the independent review I commissioned in January which I expect to report by spring next year, and by the public inquiry I announced on September 18.

“However many of the questions are pressing and will be answered and resolved in the coming weeks.

“I've asked the chair and chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow to meet those families who wish to meet them.

“I expect to see a number of the immediate practical issues addressed and a clear information flow to families established.

“All of the families I met said the front-line staff they dealt with were compassionate, caring and skilled. They were clear they wanted their thanks to these staff recorded.

“I expect to see additional steps taken to support all the staff involved who continue to deliver high-quality compassionate care in difficult circumstances.

“I will continue to take a close interest in the progress made by the board in dealing with the issues and concerns the families have raised."

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