'Hospital infections cost me precious time with my daughter'

The mum of a toddler who died from a rare form of cancer says she could have had more time with her daughter had she not contracted infections while in Scotland’s flagship hospital.

Layla Greene from Renfrew was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma cancer in March 2017, which medics at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital initially believed to be a viral infection.

Just days after beginning chemotherapy treatment, the two-year-old was found to have contracted an infection in her central line.

Over the next ten months, Layla had to have her central line removed and replaced ten times – a procedure which required two separate surgeries under a general anaesthetic.

Layla’s mum, Louise Cunningham, is one of a number of parents speaking out after NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde accepted that there was probably a “causal connection” between infections suffered by cancer patients and the hospital environment, in particular, the water system.

Layla Greene died in January 2018, aged three STV News

Admissions were also made that the complex opened “too early” and “was not ready” due to pressure to open on time and on budget.

Louise gave evidence at the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry detailing how she and her daughter were placed on lockdown at the hospital for nearly two weeks.

After which, the toddler had to have all her home comforts removed, including teddies, pictures and cards.

Louise told STV News: “In the ten months of Layla’s treatment at the hospital, we were able to spend maybe two weeks at home, we were in there using the water constantly. She never really had much of a chance.

“Her condition would pick up, then she was rushed in with another infection, and then it was the line constantly, or it was an infection they couldn’t tell us what it was.

“The ward was getting shut down, we weren’t able to see my other children, and no one was allowed to visit.”

The family now know that Layla contracted an infection from the water supply on at least two occasions.

The toddler was eventually taken home for palliative care in January 2018 after it was discovered that her bladder was no longer functioning.

During her time in palliative care, she developed symptoms of having a line infection, but despite medics at the hospital confirming that she could be given antibiotics, Louise says none were ever administered.

Layla passed away in January 2018 aged just three years and six months old.

Louise explained: “I believe if Layla didn’t get that infection on January 8, she would’ve been with us longer.

“If it wasn’t for the infections in the line, we would have got longer with her. It wasn’t going to save her, but we would’ve had a lot longer with her.

“I’m disgusted with what I’ve heard this week. We’re in turmoil; we actually feel quite numb with it all. Someone has to pay for what has happened because this has gone on for too long now, and someone has to be responsible for this.

“I agree that one of them should be (former health secretary) Jeane Freeman, who agreed for the hospital to be opened.”

NHSGGC said: “We offer our sincere and unreserved apology to the patients and families affected.

“We want to reassure patients and families that the QEUH and RHC are safe today. Ensuring the safe care of our patients is our key priority at all times.

“Comprehensive steps have been taken to address past physical defects in the building and a significant programme of maintenance and monitoring is in place. Our staff are committed to providing safe, high-quality care.

“It wouldn’t be appropriate for us to comment further at this time while the inquiry is ongoing.”

Scottish health secretary Neil Gray said: “The Government brought forward the public inquiry so that families – some of whom I have met, and to whom I pay tribute for their work and their diligence following the trauma that they have undoubtedly experienced – can get answers to the questions that they are posing.

“It is because we have instigated a public inquiry that, I believe, we are getting to the truth.

“We have provided all relevant evidence to the inquiry, relating to the whole of its terms of reference.

“That is still being considered by the inquiry and so it is important that we allow it the space to consider its final conclusions.

“I will not comment further until the inquiry publishes its findings.”