DAD WOULD BACK REOPENING PROBE INTO SCANDAL-HIT HOSPITAL

Former police officer says all his Molly asked for was transparency from decision-makers

- BY SALLY HIND

THE dad of tragic Molly Cuddihy says it should “take as long as it takes for the truth to come out” about a scandal-hit super-hospital.

And John Cuddihy would “absolutely support” the reopening of Scotland's hospital inquiry to look at evidence of “political pressure” to get Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital open.

Molly's death last year is being investigated by prosecutors after the cancer patient became seriously ill with an infection potentially acquired in the £1billion QEUH seven years ago.

Seven deaths linked to infected water are now being probed amid claims Glasgow health chiefs were “pressured” into opening the hospital early.

Last week, Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for Lord Brodie to reopen the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, which has examined the design and construction of the QEUH and the Royal Hospital for Children.

He says Nicola Sturgeon, John Swinney and Shona Robison should be quizzed on what he called “damning” evidence of political pressure ahead of the opening. The Scottish Government and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have denied that the health board was pushed to open before it was ready.

Molly's dad John yesterday said he would “absolutely support” the calling of additional witnesses to find out the truth on what pressure was applied to hospital bosses.

He said: “If Lord Brodie considers there is relevant evidence about political pressure which has not been fully explored in public then, for me, I would absolutely support him recalling or hearing additional witnesses to do that properly.

“It's important all of the evidence, including these documents, is examined rigorously and transparently and the final report speaks plainly about the role of political decision making.