Background
The overarching aim of this Inquiry is to consider the planning, design, construction, commissioning and, where appropriate, maintenance of both the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Campus (QEUH), Glasgow and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences (RHCYP/DCN), Edinburgh.
The Inquiry will determine how issues relating to adequacy of ventilation, water contamination and other matters adversely impacting on patient safety and care occurred; if these issues could have been prevented; the impacts of these issues on patients and their families; and whether the buildings provide a suitable environment for the delivery of safe, effective person-centred care.
Learn more about the background to the Inquiry here
Order of Events
An Inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 and the Inquiries (Scotland) Rules 2007 seeks to find the facts surrounding issues of public concern. In this respect it is important to differentiate the process of a public inquiry and a court procedure. An inquiry is therefore inquisitorial. Before oral hearings can begin a great deal of work has to be done by the Inquiry team to gather the relevant data, understand the issues, and frame lines of enquiry. You can read more about the stages of an inquiry here
Structure
The Inquiry is independent and its progress and lines of enquiry are determined by the Chair. These are tailored to fulfil the Terms of Reference set out by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport in the Scottish Parliament on 15 June 2020. You can find more about the structure, conduct and terms of reference for the Inquiry here.
Finance
The Inquiry will publish regularly the cumulative costs of the Inquiry. You can read more about this and how the costs are broken down here
Who is Involved?
Expert Witnesses
As and when Expert Witnesses are appointed, their details will be added to the site, and a link to them will be available here
Core Participants
As and when Core Participants are designated, their details will be added to the site, and a link to them will be available here
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people find it unusual and sometimes daunting to be involved in a public inquiry. It is crucial to remember that an Inquiry is about determining the facts, and not about determining liability. Whilst an Inquiry often appears to similar to a court, it is not so, and the Chair is particularly keen that those who have information that may assist the inquiry feel able to contribute. To help with questions you may have, a series of frequently asked questions is available.