Glasgow hospital is safe, Swinney says after families say it is not

The hospital at the centre of infections linked to contaminated water and ventilation systems is safe, John Swinney has insisted, after families of those impacted said it was not.

The First Minister was sent a letter, signed by relatives of 27 patients who have died or suffered infections, which said more reassurances were needed around the safety of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow.

Signed by 91 people, it warned the SNP leader: “We believe it is right that you hear our position, in our words, direct from the people who have lost their children, their soul mates and those whose lives have been forever changed…

“While our journeys started at different times, we share one common aim – no family should ever again go through what we have.”

The letter adds: “With NHS GGC (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) only admitting a causal link between some infections and the water system for a limited historical period of time in January 2026, it is incomprehensible to us that we are expected to trust their judgment now.

“The mismanagement of risk to date, particularly that there was ‘no risk to patients’, is a matter at the door of the infection and protection control team.”

They added that more clarity is needed on what standards the hospital is complying with, claiming the current ventilation system poses a risk to immunocompromised patients

Asked about the letter, Mr Swinney told the Press Association: “I understand entirely the concern that is expressed by families who have lost loved ones in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and I respect and appreciate their perspective in all of these questions.

“I think it’s important that we work hard to assure them of the safety of the hospital. I believe the hospital to be safe.

“There are a number of different examinations that have been undertaken, some of them taken forward by the independent public inquiry led by Lord Brodie that’s examined the water system and examined the ventilation system, and out of those materials I have confidence that the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is safe.”

The First Minister said the Health Secretary had established a “clinical oversight group” of independent experts to ensure concerns from families and whistleblowers are answered.

He said the group would help ensure there is “growing public confidence” in the hospital.

An inquiry examining the hospital is ongoing while the Crown Office is also examining the deaths of seven patients at the hospital, including possible links to the hospital environment.

An NHS GGC spokeswoman previously said: “We want to reassure patients and families that the QEUH and RHC (Royal Hospital for Children) are safe today.

“This is highlighted by evidence given by the independent expert Mr Andrew Poplett to the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry.

“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.

“We remain focused on providing safe, high-quality care for all patients.”