Statement from MDDUS on the scottish hospitals inquiry

A spokesperson for the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) which has provided Drs Inkster, Peters and Redding with legal support throughout the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, said on Thursday, 22 January:

“We welcome the full and unreserved apology by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for the previous criticisms of our members, Dr Inkster, Dr Peters and Dr Redding.

“All three of them have seen their professional reputations unfairly and repeatedly criticised by senior figures within the health board for almost a decade.

“They spoke up about their grave concerns for patients’ safety using a ‘whistleblowing’ system they believed would take them seriously.

“Instead, that system turned on them and made wholly false allegations about their professionalism that have caused lasting damage to their previously unblemished careers.

“It is a matter of deep regret that it has taken so long to reach this position.

“Regrettably, the three doctors remain profoundly concerned about the organisational culture within the senior infection prevention control team at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

“As our senior counsel Helen Watts KC submitted to the Inquiry today, they do not have confidence that the necessary lessons have actually been learned to ensure that patient safety is better protected in the future.”

ENDS

The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) is a mutual organisation that protects the professional interests 70,000 doctors and dentists across the United Kingdom, offering access to indemnity, support and legal advice.

For further information please contact Alison Hardie, Head of Public Affairs and Strategic Communications on ahardie@mddus.com

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