Getty ImagesNicola Sturgeon has rejected suggestions she applied pressure to open Glasgow’s flagship hospital before it was ready, saying any such claims are “completely untrue”.
The mother of a ten-year-old girl who died after contracting an infection at Glasgow’s flagship hospital had urged the former first minister to “come forward and be honest” about what she knew ahead of the facility opening.
Kimberly Darroch’s daughter Milly Main died in 2017 after picking up an infection at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) campus.
STV NewsThe hospital has been subject to examination by the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, with the health board admitting last week it was likely the environment at the hospital had led to infections.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde officials also told the Scottish Hospitals public inquiry that pressure was applied to open the hospital on time and on budget before it was ready.
The hospital was commissioned while Sturgeon was health secretary and it opened when she was first minister, leading opposition politicians to ask the former SNP leader to make a statement to Holyrood.
STV NewsSpeaking at a press conference alongside Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar on Friday, Ms Darroch said: “We don’t actually know who applied pressure, it’s really not for me to say.
“I do believe Nicola Sturgeon knows something, my message to her is to come forward and be honest.”
She welcomed the change in stance from the health board, which said in its closing statement the environment at the hospital likely contributed to infections.
“However, given the evidence we have heard throughout this inquiry and subsequent closing submissions heard this week, I feel strongly that this is the position GGC should have taken six years ago,” she said.
“We are closer to the truth today than we were six years ago, nevertheless I feel as though we only know half the story.”
She added: “All I’ve ever asked for is the truth, the truth of what went so catastrophically wrong and why at Glasgow’s super-hospital.
“This journey has been utterly heartbreaking for myself and Milly’s family, the only thing I can be sure of today is that Milly does not want me to give up until the truth is uncovered.”
Ms Darroch went on to urge bosses at the health board to “admit where, when and why it went wrong”.
She added: “We need to prevent this from ever happening again.”
Sturgeon issued a statement on Friday evening, saying: “I understand Ms Darroch’s determination to get answers, and my thoughts are very much with her and others affected by the situation at QEUH.
“I hope the inquiry report, when published, will offer those affected the answers they want and deserve.
“Any suggestion that I applied pressure for the hospital to open before it was ready or that I had any knowledge of safety concerns at that time are completely untrue.
“The families who lost loved ones in the QEUH have a right to have their questions answered.
“That is why the independent public inquiry was established while I was first minister.
“The inquiry has had sight of all relevant material and has also been able to take evidence from any individual with insight or information it thought necessary for its work.”
A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said the health board must wait for the inquiry and legal processes to conclude before it could comment further.
But added: “We would, in the meantime, like to reiterate our sincere and unreserved apology to the patients and families affected.
“We want to reassure patients, families and staff that the QEUH and RHC are safe today. Ensuring the safe care of our patients is our key priority at all times.
“Comprehensive steps have been taken to address past physical defects in the building, and a significant and ongoing programme of maintenance and monitoring is in place. Our staff are committed to providing safe, high-quality care.
“In our closing statements, we have acknowledged issues with past culture and communication, and we are committed to learning and continuing to improve our approach.
“We have outlined the significant improvements undertaken as an organisation during this time to improve governance and oversight, and that issues are being addressed both proactively and reactively, and in a timely manner.
“We encourage any employee to get in touch directly to discuss concerns they may have to allow us to address directly.”
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