30
Mar 2021
‘Serious failings’ found over infection prevention at Glasgow hospital
Health board chiefs have been criticised for infection prevention failures at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow, following an independent review from which it was found that 84 children had been infected with rare bacteria while undergoing treatment, with a third suffering a severe health impact.
The review was commissioned by the health secretary as part of a wider investigation into ventilation and drainage system problems at the campus, which includes the Royal Hospital for Children.
The investigation, led by Professor Mike Stevens, looked into 118 incidences of serious bacterial infection in 84 young people and children who received treatment for cancer, blood disease or related conditions at the hospital.
It found that a third of these were “most likely” to have been linked to the hospital environment. Two out of 22 investigated deaths were also considered to be in part as a result of infections.
Jane Grant, chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow, said “For families, children and young people, undergoing cancer treatment is already an incredibly difficult situation and I very much regret the additional distress caused.
“Whilst we have taken robust and focused action to respond to issues, and at all times have made the best judgements we could, we accept that there are times when we should have done things differently.”
Professor Mike Stevens said he hoped the review would “assist families in understanding the background to the infections experienced by their children”, adding that it would offer a way to reduce future risk by improving infection control and prevention.
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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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