Kimberly Darroch rounded on the SNP Government over the deaths linked to contaminated water at a Glasgow super-hospital.
Kimberly Darroch, whose daughter Milly Main died(Image: )
The mum of a tragic ten year old who died after contracting a water infection at a Glasgow super-hospital has demanded honesty from Nicola Sturgeon. At an emotional press conference, Kimberly Darroch said the former SNP First Minister “knows something” about the dirty water scandal and urged her to provide answers.
She also accused the Scottish Government of failing victims and claimed Sturgeon and Swinney have been hiding from her. The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital opened in 2015 but has been dogged by safety issues that are being investigated by a public inquiry by Lord Brodie.
Several children died and at least 84 people fell ill after catching infections at the super-hospital. In 2019, the Record exclusively revealed that ten year old cancer patient Milly had been one of the victims two years earlier after a whistleblower bravely came forward.
NHSGCC initially denied a link between the building and a spike in infections, but days ago admitted the infections were probably linked to bugs in the water system. The board also claimed pressure had been applied for the QEUH to open on time, adding that it was “not ready” to do so.
The explosive allegation put a spotlight on the Government of the day and Nicola Sturgeon, who was health secretary between 2007 and 2014. Speaking alongside Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who has helped expose the contaminated water scandal, Darroch said:
“I do believe that Nicola Sturgeon knows something. My message to her is to come forward and be honest.” She was also asked about First Minister Swinney and Sturgeon not meeting her:
“I just think it’s their way, isn’t it? They just hide things or sweep things under the carpet. Them not seeing me is them hiding.”
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She hit out at the Government over the scandal: “To the Scottish Government, I expected more from you. Your inactions have failed us and our children.”
In a personal statement, she gave a cautious welcome to the u-turn by NHSGGC: “I welcome GGC’s change of position although it is a little unclear which infections they are accepting.”
“It is still a significant milestone in regards to getting justice for Milly and others who have been affected.”
“We are certainly closer to the truth than we were six years ago. Nevertheless, I do feel as though we only have half the story.”
She added: “All I have ever asked for is the truth, the truth about what went so catastrophically wrong and why at Glasgow’s super hospital.
“This journey has been utterly heart breaking for myself and Milly’s family. The only thing I can be sure of today is Milly would not want me to give up until the truth was uncovered and I will not.”
As well as criticising the SNP Government, Darroch urged NHSGGC to go further: “Please finally do the right thing. Admit where, when and why it went wrong whilst being completely transparent and own it. We need to prevent this from ever happening again.
She also paid tribute to the whistleblowers who exposed the dirty water scandal:
“Thank you for showing courage and resilience and standing up for our children and loved ones when no one else would.”
Maureen Dynes, whose husband Tony contracted two infections during his cancer treatment at the QEUH and died in 2021, also issued a powerful statement at the press conference.
She said of the whistleblowers: “I am exceedingly grateful to them.”
She added: “I just hope that we do get answers. I hope that Lord Brodie has heard everything that has been said and that the truth comes out.”
Sarwar paid tribute to the families who have spoken out, as well as the three doctors who blew the whistle on issues at the hospital – Dr Teresa Inkster, Dr Penelope Redding and Dr Christine Peters.
“They are three amazing, inspiring, strong women that were willing to risk their jobs, willing to risk their professional reputations, and willing to take on the might of an organisation that attempted to bully and silence them,” he said.
“I actually think the nation owes you a huge thank-you and I hope you get the recognition and reward you deserve for the bravery you have shown.”
Sarwar added that if the three whistleblowers were “not satisfied” with the management of the hospital, “then neither am I and neither should anybody across our great country”.
Nicola Sturgeon said: “I understand Ms Darroch’s determination to get answers, and my thoughts are very much with her and others affected by the situation at QUEH. I hope the Inquiry report, when published, will offer those affected the answers they want and deserve.
“Any suggestion that I applied pressure for the hospital to open before it was ready or that I had any knowledge of safety concerns at that time are completely untrue.
“The families who lost loved ones in the QUEH have a right to have their questions answered. That is why the independent public inquiry was established while I was First Minister. The Inquiry has had sight of all relevant material and has also been able to take evidence from any individual with insight or information it thought necessary for its work.”
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, and it is right that Lord Brodie now be given the space to consider all the evidence.
“I have written to legal representatives of those patients and families affected by the issues being investigated by the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, offering an opportunity to meet and discuss these matters in person.”
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have been approached for comment.
