Scottish Hospitals Inquiry reports findings on QEUH safety

The public inquiry into deaths and high infection levels at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is drawing to a close after hearing 186 witnesses, and a report is expected later this year.

The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry is approaching its conclusion as key participants make final submissions. The inquiry was ordered in 2019 after a series of deaths and elevated infection levels at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) campus raised concerns about patient safety. Attention focused particularly on the Royal Hospital for Children, where immunocompromised young patients were treated. The inquiry has examined how the hospital's design, build and commissioning may have affected safety. What is known: - The inquiry was established in 2019 following deaths and high infection rates at the QEUH campus, with focus on the Royal Hospital for Children. - Reports indicate 84 children were infected and one 10-year-old patient died after acquiring an infection while in remission for leukaemia. - The inquiry has heard evidence from 186 witnesses and has been examining design, construction and commissioning processes and their impact on patient safety. - The process is drawing to a close with final submissions made, and a report is expected later in the year. Summary: The inquiry has clarified a number of concerns about how the hospital was designed and brought into service, though some findings remain contested. Final submissions have been completed and a public report is expected later this year.