The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow was supposed to be state-of-the-art but it has been dogged by scandal.
Issues relating to water quality and ventilation have damaged the hospital’s reputation in the eyes of the public. The worst scandal – a story broken by the Record – was the shocking death of 10-year-old cancer patient Milly Main.
Milly was in remission from leukaemia in 2017 when her catheter became infected. She died days later and a bacteria linked to water was referred to on her death certificate. An official report found she died after “probably” catching a water-linked infection at the hospital and a public inquiry heard moving evidence from her mum Kimberly.
The inquiry has heard many other horror stories about the hospital and it is a disgrace no one has resigned over the failings. Our story today about further concerns over water quality is alarming. Alcohol gel had to be used for hand washing in parts of the building on Tuesday because of concerns about the levels of chlorine dioxide in the water.
The episode was cleared up but it would have been unsettling for hospital users. At the very least, patients and workers must have confidence that the QEUH is a safe and secure place to work.
Worries about water safety chip away at public confidence and raise further questions about the construction of the hospital. The inquiry has important questions to get to the bottom of and we hope the investigation provides relief to affected families.
Let Ukraine speak
The courage and dignity shown by Volodymyr Zelensky during the last three years have been an inspiration to millions around the world.
Ukraine’s president rallied his people in their darkest hour as they suffered an unprovoked military attack from their much larger neighbour. As he flew into Washington yesterday to meet Donald Trump, Zelensky’s primary motivation, as ever, was to secure the independence of his country.
Peace has not yet been achieved in Ukraine but any negotiations must include its president. The US should not be allowed to dictate the terms of a ceasefire with Russia if Zelensky is not invited.
Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have given their lives to protect their homeland from the Russians. Their deaths must not be in vain. Vladimir Putin cannot be allowed to present himself as anything other than a tyrant. The US must ensure the voice of Ukraine is heard.