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Hospital Inquiry U-turn: Parents' Anger Simmers
25 Jan
Summary
- Health board admits hospital environment likely caused infections.
- Parents felt lied to and stonewalled for years.
- Six-year inquiry concludes with board's belated admission of fault.
For years, parents felt stonewalled and lied to regarding infections their children contracted at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus. These children were undergoing treatment for cancer and blood disorders. Parents like Karen Stirrat and Charmaine Lacock raised concerns that the building's construction posed safety risks.
Despite persistent campaigning from families, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde initially refused to accept evidence linking water and ventilation systems to infections. However, a week ago, the health board made a significant U-turn in its closing submission to a six-year public inquiry.
The board now accepts that, on the balance of probabilities, the hospital environment, specifically the water system, was responsible for some infections. These belated admissions have been welcomed but also fuel deep frustration and anger among parents who feel justice has taken too long.
