NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has accepted a "causal connection" between patient infections and the water system at two Glasgow hospitals. The health board reversed its previous stance in closing submissions to the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, just days before final oral hearings begin on January 20.
The admission marks a significant departure from NHSGGC's earlier position. The health board stated it was "more likely than not that a material proportion of the additional environmentally relevant blood stream infections (BSI) in the paediatric haemato-oncology population between 2016 and 2018 had a connection to the state of the hospital water system".
The inquiry investigates the design and construction of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children. Both hospitals are located on the same Glasgow campus.
Deaths linked to infections
Authorities launched the investigation following deaths linked to infections at the hospitals. Among those who died was 10-year-old Milly Main, who contracted an infection at the Royal Hospital for Children's cancer ward in 2017.
NHSGGC had previously maintained there was no definite link between infections and the water system. The health board now states: "NHSGGC accepts that, on the balance of probabilities, there is a causal connection between some infections suffered by patients and the hospital environment, in particular the water system."
Remedial measures taken
The health board began remedial measures in 2018, including work on the water system. Infection rates decreased after the health board implemented these interventions.
NHSGGC changed its position after hearing all expert evidence. A spokesperson said: "We remain fully committed to supporting the inquiry in its investigations."
The Scottish Government said it established the statutory public inquiry so families could get answers and health authorities could learn lessons for future hospital projects. As an independent core participant, the government stated it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
