Were Families Deceived and Demeaned in Hospital Inquiry?

The families of patients who suffered or died from infections at Scotland's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) have expressed outrage, claiming they were misled and demeaned by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC). The hospital, which opened in 2015, has been linked to infections caused by flaws in its water system. Following an inquiry into the hospital's design and safety, NHSGGC issued an apology but insisted there is no definitive link between the hospital environment and individual infections.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The situation surrounding the QEUH continues to unfold as the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry reaches its final stages. Families impacted by the hospital's alleged failings are demanding accountability from NHSGGC, which has been accused of lying and downplaying the severity of the health risks posed by the facility. The inquiry has revealed that the hospital environment, particularly its water system, likely contributed to a number of infections, although NHSGGC maintains that specific links to individual cases cannot be definitively established. The families are calling for accountability from both current and former officials of the health board, urging political leaders to intervene in ensuring patient safety.

Key takeaways

• The QEUH has been linked to infections and deaths, with families alleging negligence by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
• NHSGGC has apologised but insists there is no direct link between the hospital environment and specific infections.
• The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry is set to publish its findings later this year, following a series of testimonies and closing statements.

Timeline: how we got here

The following timeline outlines significant events leading to the current inquiry and subsequent developments regarding the QEUH:

• 2015: The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital opens in Glasgow, intended to replace three older facilities at a cost of £840 million.
• 2019: Following reports of infections and patient deaths, former Health Secretary Jeane Freeman orders a public inquiry into the hospital's design and safety.
• 2020: Evidence emerges linking infections in cancer patients to the hospital's water system.
• 2023: The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry hears closing submissions, with families calling for accountability from NHS leaders.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The inquiry's closing submissions have uncovered new testimonies from affected families, highlighting their distress and demand for justice. NHSGGC has acknowledged likely connections between patient infections and hospital infrastructure issues, marking a shift from previous denials.

What was already established

Previous reports indicated serious concerns regarding the hospital's water and ventilation systems. The inquiry has been ongoing since 2019, with interim findings already suggesting systemic failures in addressing patient safety, particularly following the deaths of several children.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The implications for families and patients at the QEUH are severe, with many expressing a loss of trust in the healthcare system. Patients fear for their safety in a hospital that should be a place of healing. The ongoing scrutiny may lead to increased public awareness and pressure on health boards to improve safety standards.

Businesses and jobs

The fallout from the inquiry could affect staffing and operations at the QEUH and potentially other NHS facilities. If significant changes are mandated, there may be a ripple effect on hiring practices and operational compliance across the NHS in Scotland.

Policy and regulation

Policy changes may emerge from the inquiry's findings, particularly regarding healthcare safety protocols. The Scottish Government may need to reassess oversight mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Numbers that matter

• £840 million: Cost of constructing the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, aimed at replacing three older hospitals.
• 2015: Year the QEUH opened, with significant patient expectations for high-quality care.
• 10: Number of patients, including children, whose deaths are being scrutinised in relation to the hospital's safety protocols.

Definitions and jargon buster

• NHSGGC: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the health board responsible for the QEUH.
• Public inquiry: An investigation conducted by the government into matters of public concern, often involving expert testimonies.
• Whistleblower: An individual who reports unethical or illegal activities within an organisation.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Families are awaiting the inquiry's final report, which may include recommendations for accountability and changes within the NHS. Immediate attention will likely focus on ensuring patient safety and addressing any ongoing risks at the QEUH.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The Scottish Government may introduce new policies or regulations based on the inquiry's findings. Hospitals across Scotland may undergo audits to ensure compliance with enhanced safety standards.

Signals to watch

• Release of the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry's final report.
• Responses from NHS leadership regarding proposed safety improvements.
• Potential legislative changes aimed at increasing hospital oversight.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about the findings from the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.
• Engage with local health services to voice concerns about safety and care quality.
• Support advocacy groups pushing for transparency and accountability in healthcare.

Don’t

• Ignore signs of infection or health concerns when receiving care at any hospital.
• Assume that all hospitals meet the highest safety standards without scrutiny.
• Dismiss the voices of those affected by hospital negligence; their experiences are crucial for reform.

Checklist

• Review hospital safety ratings before seeking care.
• Ask questions about health protocols during hospital visits.
• Document any health concerns or changes following hospital treatment.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the inquiry progresses, many details remain uncertain, including the full extent of responsibility among NHS officials. While NHSGGC has acknowledged potential connections between infections and hospital conditions, defining specific liability could prove complex. The ongoing legal investigations into corporate homicide might also impact the outcomes of the inquiry.

Bottom line

The revelations surrounding the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital highlight significant flaws in hospital safety and governance within the NHS. As families seek justice and accountability, the upcoming inquiry report may lead to essential changes that ensure better patient care and restore public trust in the healthcare system.

FAQs

What is the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital controversy about?

The controversy centres on allegations of negligence regarding the safety of the QEUH, with families claiming that infections and deaths were linked to flaws in the hospital's water system.

What actions have been taken by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde?

NHSGGC has issued apologies and stated that comprehensive steps have been taken to address safety concerns, though families continue to demand accountability from health board leadership.

What can patients do to ensure their safety in hospitals?

Patients should stay informed about hospital safety ratings, ask questions about care protocols, and document any health concerns following treatment.