Group to oversee safety work at Glasgow hospitals in wake of deaths

The move was announced by Health Secretary Neil Gray following evidence heard during the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, which was set up after a number of deaths and high levels of infection at the hospital prompted concerns about patient safety.

The group will be co-chaired by Sir Lewis Ritchie – the Sir James Mackenzie professor of general practice at the University of Aberdeen – and Professor Jann Gardner, chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

During his statement, Mr Gray said that the work of this group will not interfere with Lord Brodie’s independent inquiry and will make use of external independent scrutiny from Healthcare Improvement Scotland and NHS Assure. 

Lord Brodie is expected to deliver his report later this year. Mr Gray has also confirmed that all material relevant to the inquiry was provided.

He said: “I want to again recognise the profound distress experienced by patients, by grieving families, and by staff who have been impacted by the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.

“For many, the recent inquiry hearings looking into the evidence relating to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, have reopened longstanding and deeply painful wounds. My thoughts remain with all those affected.

“Our priority is to ensure that patients, families, staff and the public have full confidence in the safety of facilities and the environment in which services are delivered within the QEUH and RHC today.”

He added: “The group will also stand ready to implement the findings from the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry. Enhanced reporting will be established with the Scottish government who will provide scrutiny, challenge and support to the delivery of NHS GGC’s programme of work.

“All material relevant to the inquiry has been preserved and submitted as evidence. Scottish government officials are now examining how the documents referred to by the motion voted on by Parliament can be released safely and lawfully.”