Commenting on the Scottish Government’s decision to hold a public inquiry into failings at The Royal Hospital for Young People in Edinburgh, and the QUEH in Glasgow, Thomas Waterson, chair of UNISON’s Health Committee, welcomed the news and said:
“The Scottish Government has finally bowed to pressure from UNISON, patients and community groups to hold a public inquiry into these lengthy and costly delays – a decision that is long overdue.
“The failings have not only taken millions of pounds out of the public purse – money which should have been spent on patient care – but it has seriously disrupted patient care and been hugely frustrating for NHS workers.
“The whole fiasco yet again highlights the weakness of the Scottish Government’s private finance system: The Scottish Futures Trust. Patients, staff and tax payers should not be left paying the price for this catalogue of errors and it is vital this inquiry ensures this is never allowed to happen again.”
For further information
Thomas Waterson, Chair of UNISON Health Committee: 07753 627575
Willy Duffy, UNISON Head of Health: 07904 342129