The cost of the public inquiry into the scandal-hit Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) has exceeded £20 million, with over £6 million of taxpayer money allocated to lawyers for the investigation. The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, which is focused on addressing issues at the QEUH in Glasgow, has raised concerns about the handling of infections and other problems at the hospital. Labour has cautioned against obstructing the inquiry from uncovering the truth amidst the escalating costs.
Jackie Baillie, the Scottish Labour health spokeswoman, emphasised the importance of swiftly and efficiently addressing the issues at QEUH. She stressed that while inquiries come with a cost, they should not impede the pursuit of truth. Baillie urged all parties involved to support the inquiry in providing clarity so that NHS Scotland and the SNP government can acknowledge and rectify any mistakes made.
The QEUH, along with the Royal Hospital for Children, initially received praise for its standards upon opening, but soon faced challenges such as infection outbreaks and concerns related to water and ventilation systems. Tragically, several patients, including 10-year-old Milly Main, lost their lives due to these issues. The public inquiry has incurred significant expenses, with the Scottish Government, NHS National Services Scotland, and legal teams having collectively spent around £22.5 million so far. The inquiry is expected to continue for another two years.
The recently released documents revealed that staff at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde had raised alarms about misleading information being provided regarding the safety of the QEUH campus. Former lead infection control doctor Dr. Teresa Inkster and senior microbiologist Dr. Christine Peters highlighted discrepancies in safety reassurances given in 2019 and 2020. Concerns were also raised about the accuracy of information shared with patients, families, and the media regarding infections and safety protocols at the hospital.
As the inquiry progresses, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind the challenges faced by the QEUH and implementing measures to prevent similar issues in the future. The revelations from the documents underscore the need for transparency and accountability in healthcare practices to ensure the safety and well-being of patients and the public.