Hospital management urged to quit over infections scandal
Last updated 29th Nov 2019
Senior managers accused of ignoring warnings over the risk of infections at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital have been urged to step down.
A report leaked by a whistle-blower revealed NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde was told areas of the flagship £800 million QEUH campus were at a "high risk" of infections before opening in 2015.
Another two reports, also leaked to Labour MSP Anas Sarwar, suggested issues were still pervasive at the hospital in 2017 and 2018.
The death of 10-year-old Milly Main in August 2017 after she had been treated for cancer has been linked to an infection caused by contaminated water.
Her mother, Kimberly Darroch, 35, from Lanark, said she is "100%" certain contaminated water caused the infection.
Mr Sarwar has now said those responsible should step aside.
"The senior managers who ignored repeated warnings about the risk of infections at the hospital should not be in their posts today," said Mr Sarwar.
"You wouldn't have suspects in a crime scene walking around the building. By remaining on the scene, they compromise the investigation.
"Now that the health board is in special measures, senior managers must be moved aside and a truly independent system put in place to run the hospital until public confidence is fully restored."
A public inquiry into issues at the hospital has been called by Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, while the board also issued an apology to families affected by infections.
Mr Sarwar added: "Whilst a wider public inquiry is welcome, this can't wait for that to conclude - if this was the private sector, there would be a criminal investigation.
"Kimberly's heartbreaking comments that she believes Milly would still be alive should utterly shame those in charge at the time.
"I have promised Milly's family and other families affected to keep fighting for the truth and I will continue to support the brave whistle-blowers who brought this to light."
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