SNP and QEUH: 14 infection warnings reported before 2018

Newspaper documents report the Scottish Government was notified of 14 red or amber infection alerts at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital between 2015 and 2018; police and public probes are examining patient deaths and possible links to the hospital environment.

Reports say government officials were told about 14 red or amber Healthcare Infection Incident Assessment Tool (HIIAT) alerts at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus between 2015 and 2018. Those alerts were raised by health board officials and included investigations that referenced water testing and ventilation concerns in some incidents. The disclosure has come amid political questioning over when ministers first became aware of infection issues and as official probes proceed. Key reported points: - Documents are reported to show 14 red or amber HIIAT notifications were recorded between 2015 and 2018 and should have been notified to government health officials. - NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has been reported to accept a probable link between contaminated water and some infections in child cancer patients. - The health board has not accepted a connection between the hospital campus's ventilation system and patient infections beyond specified years, according to reports. - Police investigations and a corporate homicide probe have been reported in relation to several patient deaths; public inquiries and reviews are ongoing. Summary: The reports have raised questions about what ministers and officials were told and when. Investigations by police, health authorities and public inquiry processes are under way to examine patient deaths and potential environmental links. Undetermined at this time.