Families of patients who suffered or died after contracting infections at Scotland's largest hospital are speaking out, claiming they were misled, disbelieved, and slandered by the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board (GGCH). The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow opened in 2015, but soon after, concerns arose over its water and ventilation systems. The hospital admitted that infections in some cancer patients were likely linked to issues with the water system. Despite this, the GGCH initially denied any connection between the hospital environment and specific cases of infection. Thompsons Solicitors, representing the majority of affected families, issued a statement on their behalf. They accused the GGCH of major flaws in the water and ventilation systems that "killed and poisoned our loved ones." The families feel they were lied to, disbelieved, and slandered by the GGCH, and their lives have been devastated as a result. They are calling for accountability and justice, demanding that those responsible be held to account and stripped of their pensions. The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, prompted by concerns over patient safety, is currently reviewing the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of hospitals. The inquiry has heard final submissions from families and is expected to publish a report later this year. The inquiry's chair, Lord Brodie, has questioned the health board's changing position and the handling of concerns raised by medics. The families have also called for political leaders to take action, stating that the QEUH is not a safe hospital and that the current leadership of the GGCH cannot be trusted. The hospital has already been named in a corporate homicide probe and a separate investigation into the death of Molly Cuddihy. The families have expressed gratitude for the "brave and decent clinicians and staff" who tried to speak out but were "silenced" by the health board. The GGCH has responded by stating that comprehensive steps have been taken to address past physical defects and that their staff are committed to providing safe, high-quality care.
