Are Cancer Patients Being Misled About Hospital Water Infections?

The case surrounding the deaths of young patients at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow, particularly that of Molly Cuddihy, has revealed troubling connections between hospital-acquired infections and the hospital's water system. After years of denial, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has now admitted a probable causal link, igniting calls for accountability and reform within NHS Scotland.

Last updated: 29 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry has escalated following NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's recent admission regarding the water system at QEUH. The health board acknowledged, "on the balance of probabilities," that there is a causal connection between some infections and the hospital environment, including the water system. This marks a significant shift in the narrative surrounding patient care and safety at the facility, which has been scrutinised for years due to a series of infections and subsequent deaths among vulnerable patients.

Key takeaways

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has admitted a probable link between hospital-acquired infections and the QEUH water system.
The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry is investigating the hospital's planning, design, and operational oversights.
Families affected by the infections have long sought acknowledgment and accountability from the health board.

Timeline: how we got here

The investigation into the QEUH has been ongoing for several years, with key milestones including:

2018: Concerns about the hospital's water supply are first raised; Molly Cuddihy develops septic shock.
2017: Milly Main, a 10-year-old cancer patient, dies after contracting an infection linked to the water system.
2021: A corporate homicide investigation is launched into the deaths of Milly Main and three other patients.
2022: Molly Cuddihy provides testimony before the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry regarding her experiences at QEUH.
2023: NHSGGC admits a probable causal link between infections and the hospital's water system during the inquiry's closing submissions.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's recent admission during the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry represents a significant development. The health board stated there is now a causal connection between certain infections suffered by patients and the hospital environment, particularly the water system, which they previously denied for years.

What was already established

Prior to this admission, there had been a growing body of evidence and testimonies from families, including Molly Cuddihy, which indicated a potential link between infections and the hospital's water system. The inquiry had already highlighted systemic failures in governance and safety protocols at QEUH, contributing to a culture of denial about the impact of water quality on patient health.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The admission by NHSGGC raises significant concerns for patients and families relying on hospital care. Consumers may now question the safety of hospital environments, particularly relating to infection control and water quality, which could affect public trust in NHS facilities.

Businesses and jobs

The ongoing inquiry and public scrutiny could lead to operational changes within NHS trusts, potentially affecting jobs and the way healthcare is delivered. Businesses involved in healthcare infrastructure may also face increased scrutiny regarding safety standards and compliance with regulations.

Policy and regulation

This inquiry could prompt a review of policies governing hospital safety and infection control across the UK. The Scottish government has indicated its commitment to addressing the issues raised by the inquiry, which could lead to reforms aimed at improving oversight and accountability within NHS Scotland.

Numbers that matter

4: Number of patients, including children, who died after infections linked to the QEUH water system.
6: Years families have spent seeking answers and accountability from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
1: The number of corporate homicide investigations launched in 2021 related to the deaths at QEUH.

Definitions and jargon buster

QEUH: Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, a major hospital in Glasgow.
NHSGGC: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the health board responsible for managing healthcare services in the Greater Glasgow area.
Stenotrophomonas: A type of bacteria that can cause infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The inquiry is expected to present oral submissions, which may shed light on the extent of the issues at the QEUH and the implications for patient safety. The health board's admission is likely to elevate the urgency of ongoing discussions regarding hospital safety protocols.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the inquiry progresses, it may lead to recommendations for policy changes and improved safety measures across NHS Scotland. Families affected by similar issues might seek legal recourse based on the inquiry's findings.

Signals to watch

Outcomes of the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry and any recommendations for policy changes.
Responses from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde regarding proposed safety improvements.
Further investigations or legal actions initiated by affected families.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about developments in the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.
Engage with advocacy groups seeking accountability for hospital safety issues.
Raise concerns about hospital sanitation and safety with healthcare providers.

Don’t

Ignore signs of infection or unusual symptoms after hospital treatment.
Assume that past issues have been resolved without ongoing scrutiny.
Remain silent about experiences with hospital-acquired infections; sharing can lead to broader awareness and change.

Checklist

Review personal or family medical history concerning hospital treatments.
Document any concerns regarding hospital environments and care received.
Stay connected with local healthcare advocacy groups for updates.
Be aware of your rights as a patient regarding safety and care standards.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the recent admission by NHSGGC is a significant development, uncertainties remain about the full extent of the issues surrounding the hospital's water system and its impact on patient safety. The inquiry is ongoing, and further evidence may emerge that could change the current understanding of the situation.

Bottom line

The admission from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde marks a pivotal point in acknowledging the failures of the QEUH and the heartbreaking impact on patients like Molly Cuddihy. Moving forward, the focus must be on ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent future tragedies, advocating for patient safety, and fostering a culture of accountability within the NHS. Families deserve transparent answers and meaningful reforms to protect future patients.

FAQs

What prompted the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry?

The inquiry was launched to investigate the planning, design, and operational failures at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, particularly following concerns about infections and the deaths of several patients.

What was NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's recent admission?

The health board admitted there is a probable causal link between infections suffered by patients and the hospital environment, specifically the water system, which they had previously denied.

How are families affected by these issues responding?

Families, such as that of Molly Cuddihy, are seeking accountability and have expressed disappointment over the length of time taken for the health board to acknowledge its failures. They hope this will lead to meaningful changes in hospital safety practices.