FAMILIES of patients affected by the infections at Scotland’s biggest hospital warned First Minister John Swinney yesterday that it still isn’t safe.

The deaths of seven cancer patients including 10-year-old Milly Main, have been linked to a wave of infections at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Govan between 2016 and 2018.

The infections are subject to the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, where Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board (NHSGGC) recently accepted a probable link between contaminated water and ventilation and the deadly infections.

There are ongoing allegations from families and Labour that problems stem from “political pressure” to open the hospital before it was ready, claims denied by both NHSGCC and Mr Swinney. 

Despite the First Minister’s assurances that systems were now “exceeding standard guidance,” 91 relatives of 27 affected patients, have now signed a letter arguing current ventilation system still poses a risk to immunocompromised patients.

The letter said: “We believe it is right that you hear our position, in our words, direct from the people who have lost their children, their soulmates and those whose lives have been forever changed.

“We share one common aim — no family should ever again go through what we have.”

Thanking the families for their letter, a Scottish government spokeswoman responded: “Our priority is to ensure that patients, families, staff and the public have full confidence in the safety of facilities and the environment in which services are delivered.

“NHSGGC has now received two positive independent reports from December and January showing their water and ventilation systems are fully compliant.

“These reports will also be reviewed by the new safety and public confidence oversight group, established by the Health Secretary, which will include representation from patients, whistleblowers and staff.”