A shocking revelation has emerged from the ongoing hospital inquiry, with a lawyer claiming that the health board's initial denials have had a severe impact on the investigation. The truth is out, and it's a damning indictment of the health board's handling of this crisis.
Fred Mackintosh KC, the senior counsel for the inquiry, revealed that the initial denials from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) made the inquiry's task significantly more challenging. He highlighted how senior managers displayed a 'wilful blindness' to the issues plaguing the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) building.
The inquiry has been delving into the design and construction of the QEUH and the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), both located on the same campus. It was established in 2020 following deaths linked to infections, including the tragic case of 10-year-old Milly Main in 2017. With total costs exceeding £31 million, this inquiry is a serious undertaking.
In a written closing submission, the health board finally acknowledged a 'causal connection' between patient infections and the hospital environment, particularly the water system. NHSGGC has apologized 'sincerely and unreservedly' to the affected patients and families, claiming both hospitals are now safe. They also admitted to mistreating three whistleblowers, impacting their well-being.
But here's where it gets controversial... Mackintosh stated that the inquiry team's work was made more difficult because NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde had long insisted there was no evidence to support concerns over patient safety at the Queen Elizabeth, which led to the inquiry's establishment. He added that much of the inquiry's efforts were spent trying to establish a link between patient infections and unsafe features of the water and ventilation systems.
The health board's delayed acceptance of the link between pediatric infections and the water system has only now been acknowledged. Mackintosh told the inquiry chairman, Lord Brodie, that this concession reflects the findings of a case notes review conducted in March 2021. He emphasized the need for the health board to acknowledge how their approach has severely impacted the inquiry's work.
The senior counsel further accused managers at the health board of failing to address questions about the hospital building and instead displaying a 'wilful blindness'.
Prior to the closing submissions, families of patients who suffered or died after contracting infections at the QEUH released a powerful statement. They claimed they were 'lied to', 'demeaned', and 'smeared'. The families stated that flaws in the building's environment had 'killed and poisoned our loved ones', expressing their trust in the hospital and health board that was ultimately betrayed.
The group called on politicians to take action, stating that the building remains unsafe. In response, the health board published an apology to the families, acknowledging issues with past culture and communication, and committing to improve their approach.
Friday marked the final day of oral hearings for this long-running public inquiry. Lord Brodie will publish a full report and recommendations at a later date, with no deadline set for the report's completion.
After the hearing, Kimberly Darroch, Milly Main's mother, spoke to reporters at a press conference organized by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. She expressed her belief that Nicola Sturgeon knows something about the pressure to open the hospital and urged her to come forward with honesty.
Darroch added that neither First Minister John Swinney nor Sturgeon has approached her, interpreting their lack of contact as an attempt to 'sweep things under the carpet' and 'hide'.
This inquiry has exposed a web of denial, negligence, and potential cover-ups. What are your thoughts? Do you think the health board's actions were justified, or do you believe they should face consequences? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below!
