about 3 years ago

Health board chiefs have been criticised for failures over infection prevention at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow.

An independent review found 84 children were infected with rare bacteria while undergoing treatment, with a third suffering a severe health impact.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde apologised for the distress caused.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said the report highlighted "serious failings" at the health board.

She added: "Patients and their families should not feel unsafe in our hospitals, and staff should not be afraid to speak out as whistle-blowers if they have serious concerns.

Infections linked to child cancer hospital deaths Doctors' infection concerns 'not addressed' "These findings, do not fault the quality of care provided by frontline staff, but they do highlight serious failings at health board level.

"Efforts have been made to improve and adopt the culture of transparency, openness and clinical leadership.

"We will continue to work closely with the board to ensure these are demonstrably embedded."

The review was commissioned by the health secretary as part of wider investigations into problems with drainage and ventilation system at the £850m QEUH campus, which includes the Royal Hospital for Children. pg

Led by Professor Mike Stevens, it investigated 118 episodes of serious bacterial infection in 84 children and young people who received treatment for blood disease, cancer or related conditions at the hospital.