Glasgow’s £800m superhospital ‘not what we expected’, medical director tells inquiry
The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry is currently investigating the construction of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) campus in Glasgow, which includes the Royal Hospital for Children. Dr Jennifer Armstrong, the medical director of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which runs the QEUH campus, testified at the inquiry, expressing disappointment with the flagship hospital at the centre of infection concerns.
Dr Armstrong revealed that the hospital did not meet expectations, stating, “I thought we were getting a fantastic hospital, but we did not get what we expected.” She highlighted issues such as wards unfit for patients, including those for bone marrow patients and people with infectious diseases, lacking necessary infrastructure like Hepa air filters and having holes in the walls. Consequently, adult bone marrow patients had to be relocated within months of being admitted to the QEUH.
The inquiry counsel, Fred Mackintosh KC, questioned Dr Armstrong on whether she had suspicions regarding the project team and contractors not fulfilling their responsibilities adequately. Dr Armstrong clarified that it was not within her role as a medical director to oversee certain aspects of the hospital’s infrastructure, attributing such responsibilities to project directors and management. She also addressed concerns raised by infection control doctors regarding patient safety, emphasizing the need for better communication and systems for addressing issues promptly.
Dr Armstrong acknowledged the importance of building the hospital in conformity with guidelines from the outset to prevent the stresses patients endured due to the hospital’s deficiencies. She emphasised the need for improved handling of concerns and implementation of effective management systems to address issues promptly.
The inquiry continues its investigations into the circumstances surrounding the construction and operation of the QEUH campus. Stay updated with the latest news by signing up for our daily newsletter.
Please note: This article was originally published on the Daily Record website and has been summarized and rephrased for this news report.