DON'T TELL US DEATHS HOSPITAL IS SAFE

Bosses are forced to backtrack on 'no need for public concern' press release

- RYAN THOM

GRIEVING families at the centre of a hospital infection scandal have hit out after a press release blunder appeared to declare that the premises where their loved ones died is “safe”.

A statement issued on the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry website this week stated that the under-fire Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) is “safe” and that “there is no need for public concern as to any risk posed by the hospital.”

The Record understands the release was issued on Wednesday at 6pm, sparking fury among families.

Lawyers at Thompsons Solicitors said the statement dealt a hammer blow to relatives seeking the truth to what happened to tragic loved ones.

The law firm also accused the published communication for only laying out arguments from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and failing to include any evidence given by families and their legal representatives.

The statement, with adapted quotes attributed to Inquiry chair Lord Brodie, was later amended on the website at around 11am on Thursday.