Revealed: Health chiefs ‘were warned of roosting pigeons’ at £842m ‘super hospital’ two years before two patients died of fungal infection linked to bird droppings
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital bosses were aware of pigeon problems
- Yesterday, MSPs demanded answers after more details emerged of complaints
- Complaints relating to roosting pigeons were made as early as January 2017
- Health chiefs at the hospital are now looking into the death of the second patient
Health bosses were aware of problems with roosting pigeons at a flagship hospital two years before the death of two patients who contracted a fungal infection linked to bird droppings.
Yesterday, MSPs demanded answers after more details emerged of complaints and concerns over pigeons at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
While hospital bosses said one of the deaths was not a direct result of contracting Cryptococcus, health chiefs are now looking into the death of the second patient, believed to be a child.
Health bosses at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital were aware of problems with roosting pigeons before the death of two patients who contracted a fungal infection linked to bird droppings
Complaints relating to pigeons in the ceilings of the £842million ‘super hospital’ were made as early as January 2017, it emerged yesterday. During the year, 12 issues were raised relating to birds. In August and September 2017, the problem of droppings in close proximity to patients was reported to environmental staff at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC).
Pigeon excrement was being periodically brushed away and areas affected power-washed.
Netting and spikes were installed to prevent the birds roosting.
One family said they wrote to the Scottish Government about the pigeons nine months ago.
Yesterday, MSPs demanded answers after more details emerged of complaints and concerns over pigeons at the hospital
On Friday, some patients with compromised immunity, both children and adults, were transferred to other areas of the hospital away from the source of the infection.
The health board has since confirmed the affected area is ‘non-public’ and the droppings have been removed.
Patients have been prescribed medicine to prevent infection – but no other cases have yet been detected.
The infection is caused by inhaling spores of the Cryptococcus fungus, carried in the air and found in bird droppings.
Most infections are mild and produce either no symptoms or a minor, influenza-like illness. But the disease can cause meningitis, fever, blood abnormalities, pneumonia and, in rare cases, death.
Cryptococcus is a single-celled fungus found in soil all around the world
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Those experiencing issues with their immune system are the most susceptible to complications.
Nationalist MSP and former health secretary Alex Neil has called for a public inquiry.
Scottish Labour yesterday tabled a question at the Scottish parliament in a bid to force Health Secretary Jeane Freeman to explain to MSPs today what has gone wrong. Scottish Labour health spokesman Monica Lennon said: ‘The SNP Government has serious questions to answer. Patients, NHS staff and the public need to be reassured as a matter of urgency that the Government is on top of this. Health Secretary Jeane Freeman must update parliament as soon as possible.
‘Questions have been building up for days in this latest controversy to overshadow Scotland’s super-hospital.
‘Scottish Labour will continue to press for answers and solutions. There can be no messing around when it comes to the safety of vulnerable patients.’
Pigeon excrement at the hospital was being periodically brushed away and areas affected power-washed. Stock picture shows a pigeon
An NHSGGC spokesman said: ‘The investigation remains on-going into the cause of two isolated cases of Cryptococcus at the hospital. We are unable to comment further on the two cases due to patient confidentiality.
‘We have taken further steps to reduce the presence of pigeons on the hospital site, including the fitting of extra nets and spikes.
‘We are consulting with pest control experts about further steps.’
Miss Freeman will meet hospital bosses today.
She said: ‘Our primary concern remains the safety and well-being of the patients and their families at the hospital. I am meeting the health board’s chief executive and senior clinicians to discuss this incident and the necessary next steps. I also hope to speak with patients and family members who have concerns, if they wish.
‘The health board has given assurances of its continued and total commitment to delivering the best medical and nursing care in a safe environment.
‘It is keeping patients and their families updated on an ongoing basis and will ensure they have the opportunity to discuss any remaining concerns with the senior clinical team.’
Graham Grant – Page 14
What is Cryptococcus?
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