MSPs launch inquiry into handling of Legionnaires' disease outbreak

MSPs will investigate the handling of the Legionnaires’ outbreak, the convener of a leading Holyrood committee has confirmed.

Duncan McNeil MSP, who heads the Health and Sport Committee at the Scottish Parliament, said he would lead a probe into the outbreak which has claimed the lives of two people.

MSPs will question health professionals responsible for dealing with the incident. These will include Pam Waldron, director of the Health and Safety Executive in Scotland, Dr Alison McCallum, director of public health and health policy at NHS Lothian and Dr Duncan McCormick, a consultant in public health at the health board.

Colin Sibbald, food health and safety manager at Edinburgh Council, and Dr Jim McMenamin, a consultant epidemiologist at Health Protection Scotland, will also be called as witnesses at the hearing on June 26.

Mr McNeil said: "This has been an extremely serious outbreak of legionella. The numbers of people contracting the disease appears to have now peaked.

“It is therefore an appropriate time for the members of the incident management team to answer questions about the handling of the outbreak and progress in identifying the source.

"Two people have tragically died as a result of this disease. Where we can, we must learn lessons from this case, which will be a key part of the Committee's questioning."

The witnesses called are members of the incident management team handling the outbreak.

Deputy convener Bob Doris MSP added: "The Committee was keen to let those handling the outbreak to get on with their jobs and focus on dealing with this serious public health issue.

"With the outbreak now under control, the Committee is pleased that the incident management team is willing to appear in front of MSPs. The evidence session will allow the Health Committee to play a constructive role scrutinising the management of the outbreak. We are not calling into question any specific actions but rather assisting in promoting continuous improvement in how such incidents are managed."

On Tuesday, the number of confirmed cases remained at 44 and suspected cases at 47, for a total of 91 cases across Scotland. Six people are in intensive care while 18 are on general wards. A further 19 are being treated in the community and 39 have been discharged.

The outbreak has claimed the lives of two men, including father-of-two Robert Air, 56.

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