The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, which wrapped up its evidence sessions last week, is now facing growing pressure to hear from key political figures. Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour, is urging the inquiry to call former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, current First Minister John Swinney, and ex-Health Secretary Shona Robison to testify. Sarwar argues that their involvement in the controversial opening of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh demands further scrutiny.
Political Pressure and Hospital Safety Concerns
The inquiry has been investigating the construction and maintenance of these two hospitals, both of which were plagued by infection issues that led to deaths, including that of 10-year-old Milly Main. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde recently admitted that the hospital had been opened under “pressure,” raising concerns that the facility may have been rushed into operation. This revelation sparked a political uproar, with opposition figures accusing the Scottish government of being behind the push for an early opening despite potential safety risks.
Sarwar, in his letter to the inquiry chair, Lord Brodie, insists that it is crucial to examine whether government ministers—accountable to the board overseeing the hospital—were aware of patient safety concerns before the facility was opened. He pointed out that it remains unclear whether ministers, including Sturgeon and Swinney, intervened to ensure safety protocols were followed as issues began to surface after the hospital’s launch.
The inquiry had not previously called these ministers to testify, but Sarwar believes that their involvement is essential for transparency. He emphasized that the investigation must include a thorough examination of how Scottish ministers communicated with the board and whether they were aware of the risks facing the hospital. “Only by scrutinizing the role of ministers in the political decision-making process will the full picture be understood,” Sarwar wrote in his appeal.
As the inquiry progresses, the question remains whether the final report will fully address the political dimensions of the scandal or focus solely on the health board’s role. Sarwar voiced concerns that ministers might use the final findings to deflect blame, claiming that the health board’s issues were isolated and could not have been prevented by government intervention.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry confirmed that Lord Brodie has received Sarwar’s request and will respond in due course. The inquiry’s terms of reference allow former ministers to be called, though it remains unclear whether the key political figures in question will be invited to provide evidence.
