A former chief nursing officer's alleged suggestion that families affected by a hospital infection scandal could be offered a trip to Disneyland has sparked outrage in Scotland. The comment, made by Professor Fiona McQueen, was described as 'shameful' by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar during a parliamentary session. The controversy revolves around the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow, where infections led to deaths, and the initial denial of safety defects by the local health board.
During a public inquiry, Professor McQueen's remarks were brought to light. She reportedly questioned why the health board did not offer the affected families £50,000, which could cover a trip to Disneyland, instead of acknowledging the harm caused by safety defects. This statement has caused a stir, with many questioning the appropriateness of such a suggestion.
The inquiry is examining the hospital's design and construction, and the involvement of consultant microbiologist Dr. Christine Peters, a whistleblower, has been crucial. Dr. Peters had raised concerns about the hospital buildings since 2014 but was advised to 'pipe down'. She later informed Professor McQueen about these concerns during a meeting in December 2019, where the alleged comment was made.
Dr. Peters expressed her 'appall' at the comment, emphasizing the importance of addressing the safety hazard and improving the organization's culture. Professor McQueen, however, denied making the specific words, but acknowledged discussing Dr. Peters' concerns about patient complaints. She emphasized her commitment to patient safety throughout her career.
The scandal has led to a public inquiry, with prosecutors investigating seven deaths linked to the hospital environment. The Scottish government has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with calls for a deeper investigation into the construction and opening of the QEUH. The controversy highlights the delicate balance between offering financial compensation and addressing the underlying safety issues in healthcare facilities.
