Queen Elizabeth University Hospital update

Infection prevention and control measures will be strengthened further at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, the Health Secretary has confirmed.

Speaking in Parliament, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman announced the appointment of Professor Marion Bain to take over infection prevention and control at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Professor Bain, Co-Director of the Delivery Group for Public Health Reform and former Medical Director of NHS National Services Scotland, will lead on improving systems, processes and governance.

An expert assessment of infection prevention and control in the clinical environment will also be carried out.

The findings of the independent assessment will be reported directly to the Scottish Government Oversight Board established following NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde being raised to Stage 4 of the NHS Board Performance Escalation Framework in relation to infection prevention and control and communication and engagement with patients and families.

Ms Freeman said:

“It is critical that the families affected by the cases in Glasgow have their voices heard and their questions fully answered, and I absolutely understand the need for urgency and pace in doing so.

“It is also essential that we have assurances based on evidence that the systems and processes in place are robust, which is why I am bringing in independent expertise who will report their findings directly to the Oversight Board.

“Confidence needs to be restored as quickly as possible for the benefit of patients and families, for the staff, and for all of us who, rightly, have high expectations of our NHS. That confidence will only be won by addressing the issues fully and being open and transparent in all we do”

The Health Secretary updated Parliament on 10 December 2019.