The water system issue at a prominent hospital likely caused a fatal infection in a young cancer patient, as confirmed by a major health board. Milly Main, a 10-year-old girl undergoing treatment for leukemia at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, succumbed to a rare bacterial infection, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, on August 31, 2017.
Family members suspect that contaminated water at the hospital led to the infection, affecting the line delivering medication into her body. Despite previous denials by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) regarding water-related infections, the health board acknowledged a probable link between environmental blood stream infections and the hospital’s water system during the period of 2016 to 2018.
NHSGGC reversed its stance during the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, conceding a likely connection between patient infections and the hospital environment, particularly the water system, based on expert testimony. The health board’s spokesperson stated support for the inquiry, while the Scottish Government refrained from commenting due to ongoing investigations into alleged errors in the hospital campus design and construction following unexpected patient deaths.
The reversal in NHSGGC’s position was praised as a significant development by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who advocated for expanding the corporate homicide investigation to include politicians accused of concealing information. Sarwar proposed Milly’s Law, aiming to establish an independent public advocate to investigate incidents and uncover the truth.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Sarwar criticized the handling of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital scandal, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. Scottish Conservative health secretary Dr. Sandesh Gulhane echoed concerns about a cover-up and emphasized the importance of obtaining answers for affected families.
NHSGGC reiterated its commitment to the inquiry, while the Scottish government emphasized its support for the investigation to address families’ queries and learn lessons for future healthcare projects.
