Launch of Public Inquiry into hospital sites

The Public Inquiry into the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus in Glasgow and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh will begin this August.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has confirmed that the Inquiry, which will be chaired by the Right Honourable Lord Brodie QC PC, will begin its work on 3 August 2020.

Ms Freeman ordered the statutory inquiry to examine issues relating to ventilation and other key building systems at the sites following concerns from parents.

Ms Freeman said:

“The safety and well-being of all patients and their families is my top priority and should be the primary consideration in all NHS construction projects.

“I want to make sure this is the case for all future projects, which is why, following calls from affected parents, I announced a Public Inquiry to examine the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital sites.

“The Inquiry’s Remit and Terms of Reference were published on 15 June 2020 and I was pleased to have consulted with Lord Brodie, party spokespeople and patients and families during the drafting process.

“This is a statutory Public Inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 meaning it will have the power to require witnesses to attend and to disclose information relating to the Inquiry’s work.  It is entirely independent and its conduct, procedures and lines of enquiry are a matter for the Chair.

“I would like to again extend my thanks to Lord Brodie for agreeing to act as Chair and I wish him and his team well in taking forward this important Inquiry.”

The Right Honourable Lord Brodie said:

“I welcome the publication of the Terms of Reference of the Public Inquiry and confirmation of the setting up date of 3 August 2020.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has inevitably had an impact on preparations for the Inquiry and I look forward to being able to make progress in due course.

“An early action will be to invite those who have been impacted by the issues set out in the Terms of Reference to contact the Inquiry.” 

BACKGROUND

Full answer to Parliament

A separate Independent Review into the QEUH led by Doctor Andrew Fraser and Doctor Brian Montgomery published its findings on 15 June 2020.  

On the same date, the Remit and Terms of Reference for the Public Inquiry were also published.

The set-up of the Public Inquiry has been affected by the Covid-19 restrictions, particularly with regard to securing accommodation and personnel, and the Scottish Government will continue to provide assistance and support as appropriate to resolve these issues and ensure that the Inquiry is fully equipped to undertake its important work as soon as possible.