News

An expert panel has been appointed by the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry to gather evidence and carry out further investigations at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow.

The independent specialists will focus on matters related to Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAI).

The Inquiry has heard evidence from patients and families detailing the impact and the toll taken by issues during treatment at QEUH. 

Lord Brodie has appointed the expert panel to help pursue the Inquiry’s investigations.

The Inquiry will determine how issues relating to adequacy of ventilation, water contamination and other matters impacted on patient safety and care and whether these issues could have been prevented.

It will also examine the impacts of these issues on patients and their families and whether the buildings provide a suitable environment for the delivery of safe, effective care.

Lord Brodie said: “With every stage of the Inquiry’s investigations, I am mindful of the life-changing impact patients and families have experienced as a result at the issues found at the QEUH.

“Their testimony led to multiple lines of investigation which we continue to pursue.

“Therefore, I have instructed a panel of experts, who will give an independent and unbiased assessment of the evidence gathered to assist with our investigations.

Dr Sara Mumford will convene the panel. She is currently the Director of Infection Prevention and Consultant Microbiologist at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

She is an expert in infection prevention, infectious diseases, patient safety and medical management.

The other two members of the panel are Linda Dempster, an infection prevention practitioner for over 20 years, who has previously been involved in the QEUH Independent Review in 2019; and Dr Jimmy Walker, a microbiologist with over 30 years’ experience in water microbiology and decontamination.     

The Chair may appoint additional members to the panel at any time.

For more information see: Experts | Hospitals Inquiry