Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to build new cancer ward due to mould and defects

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is looking to build a new cancer ward at its flagship hospital following issues with water ingress and mould.

The health board has said it is “necessary” to develop a new bone marrow transplant unit at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital due to a number of defects causing disruption to its operation.

It was confirmed last week that mould growth had been found in one of the rooms on the ward which cares for some of the hospital’s most vulnerable patients.

Several rooms have been closed in recent weeks for planned refurbishment and to address a number of defects.

An NHSGGC spokesperson said the health board is conscious of the disruption and concern the closures are causing.

They added: “Having taken everything into consideration, we have made the decision that it is necessary to develop a proposal for a new unit which would be more resilient, fully compliant and provide greater patient, staff and public confidence.”

The health board said that, while it is confident in the quality of the ward’s water system, the ventilation system does not fully comply with NHS guidance.

Exemptions were agreed in 2017, and ongoing mitigations are in place to allow the ward to remain open.

“This project will take significant time and investment. However, we are now commencing this important work” the spokesperson added.

“In the meantime, we continue to assess and take actions as necessary to maintain this vital national service. Our approach and decisions are proactive in putting patient safety first.”

Health secretary Neil Gray has said the Scottish Government is supportive of the plans.

“We are supportive of the Board’s intention to bring forward a business case for a new adult Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and will work with them as this develops to ensure patient safety and high-quality service are at the forefront of the proposal”, he said.

“It is reassuring that NHSGGC have proactively approached ARHAI (Antimicrobial Resistance & Healthcare Associated Infection Scotland) and NHSScotland Assure colleagues for support with an options appraisal around the BMT unit as a precautionary measure.”

Hospitals inquiry

Scotland’s flagship hospital is currently at the centre of a fatal water infection scandal.

The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry is examining the hospital due to patient deaths and infections linked to contaminated water and ventilation systems.

The Crown Office is also examining the deaths of seven patients at the hospital, examining possible links to the hospital environment.

In a written submission to the Scottish hospitals inquiry, the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board apologised to those affected by faults at the campus, and said it was clear the hospital was not ready when it opened in 2015.

The board accepted that “pressure had been applied to open the hospital on time and on budget, and it is now clear the hospital opened too early” and “it was not ready”.