Glasgow hospital bosses failed to report 4 new cases of bird poop related infections

Health officials at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital are facing criticism for failing to report four new cases of infections related to bird droppings. The infections were caused by Cryptococcus and occurred in patients treated at the hospital, which has been under scrutiny for various rare infections.
The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry is investigating the hospital’s construction and potential issues with its water and ventilation systems that may be linked to the outbreaks. Lawyers for the inquiry revealed that while four patients were infected with Cryptococcus, health officials did not report three of the cases to watchdogs.
In 2019, two individuals died after being infected with the fungus at the hospital. Despite this, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde did not inform Health Protection Scotland about the latest cases, citing the common occurrence of Cryptococcus in the environment.
The hospital has been dealing with a pigeon infestation issue since its opening, with reports of significant amounts of bird droppings on the premises. Dr. Sara Mumford, an expert on infectious diseases, testified at the inquiry, expressing concern over the lack of reporting of the new cases. She highlighted the rarity of Cryptococcus infections in the UK and stressed the importance of transparency in such situations.
Dr. Mumford also disputed claims that patients may have brought the infections with them, pointing out that many had been hospitalized for an extended period and had limited exposure to external environments. She emphasized the need for thorough investigation and reporting to protect public health.
The failure to report these new cases raises questions about the hospital’s infection control practices and transparency in communicating potential risks to patients and the public. The ongoing inquiry aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding these infections and to prevent similar incidents in the future.