On the final day of hearings in the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, Fred Mackintosh KC said there needs to be clear evidence of change implemented at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC).
He also said the health board’s delayed acceptance of infection problems with the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) had made the task of the inquiry more difficult.
Read next:
During the final day of the inquiry’s hearings on Friday, Mr Mackintosh sought to challenge the “bald, unsupported assertion” from NHSGGC that it had learned lessons from the issue.
He said: “There is precious little to suggest the board has really changed.
“The words are there, we’ve yet to see any real action to suggest anyone other than its chair and chief executive – who I would definitely except from the criticism I’ve just made – there is any real appreciation of what needs to change.
“Let alone real change in both the culture of the organisation and how it has responded to the evidence laid before it over the last decade.”
On Thursday, NHSGGC released a statement saying: “We offer our sincere and unreserved apology to the patients and families affected.
“We want to reassure patients and families 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 learn and continue 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.”
