NATURAL HOLISTIC MEDICINE BLOG - A whistleblower has delivered a striking testimony to the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, alleging that his patient safety concerns at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) were ignored for 15 years. Dr. Michael Bradnam, a medical physicist with four decades of experience, stated that his repeated warnings regarding critical infrastructure went unheeded.
The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry was originally launched in 2019 to investigate planning, design, and construction mistakes at the Glasgow campus. This massive facility includes the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), which has been at the center of controversies involving unusual infections and tragic patient deaths.
A Pattern of Unanswered Warnings
In his late submission to the inquiry, Dr. Bradnam highlighted that he received no formal responses to his complaints over the years. He served on the project for approximately 20 years, yet his attempts to address systemic failures were seemingly sidelined by management.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) responded by stating that it is currently reviewing the new evidence provided by the scientist. The board maintained that patient safety remains its "utmost concern," despite the allegations of long-term negligence.
The Three SBAR Reports
Dr. Bradnam formally submitted three Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendations (SBAR) reports to highlight specific dangers within the hospital. SBARs serve as the standard health service procedure for recording significant issues that require management intervention.
His first report, filed in 2020, detailed ventilation and temperature control failures in rooms containing anaesthetic gases. He argued that the facility's air change rates were dangerously low, providing only two to three changes per hour rather than the 15 required to protect staff.
In 2024, Dr. Bradnam submitted a second report concerning electrical safety protocols in critical patient care areas. He noted that no department within the health board appeared to be performing essential checks on wiring and earth bonding for electrical equipment.
The final SBAR, lodged in 2025, raised alarms regarding environmental humidity control in imaging rooms at both the QEUH and RHC. Bradnam identified recurring failures and elevated humidity levels, warning that these conditions could lead to condensation and microbial growth.
Legacy Issues and Management Pressure
These recent submissions are not the first time Dr. Bradnam has raised red flags regarding the Glasgow campus. In a 2014 email, he expressed concern that the diagnostic team was being pressured to install expensive MRI scanners before the building was fully completed.
He warned at the time that this haste risked the deterioration of equipment worth approximately £10 million. Despite these warnings, he claimed he received no confirmation that his recommendations had been implemented or that identified assurance gaps had been closed.
Broader Safety Implications and Investigations
The context of these revelations is deeply concerning, as Scotland's independent prosecution and death investigation authority is currently looking into seven deaths. Police have already submitted a standard prosecution report to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) regarding four of these cases.
Among those deaths is 10-year-old Milly Main, who contracted the *stenotrophomonas* bacteria while undergoing leukemia treatment. Investigations into the deaths of Andrew Slorance, Tony Dynes, and Molly Cuddihy are also underway, with police gathering further information.
Family Demands for Transparency
John Cuddihy, the father of Molly Cuddihy who died in August 2025 at age 23, has been vocal about the lack of transparency from the health board. He noted that the fact that Dr. Bradnam's concerns went unanswered for 15 years is a significant and worrying issue.
Mr. Cuddihy argued that this scenario raises questions about how many other clinicians have had their concerns hidden or ignored. He emphasized that the culture of not listening to staff ultimately impacts patient safety and erodes public confidence.
The Future of the Inquiry
A Scottish government spokesperson confirmed that a safety and public confidence oversight group has been established to monitor the situation. This group, composed of experts, whistleblowers, and patients, aims to ensure that safety measures are being properly implemented.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry continues its work, with findings expected to be released in the coming months. Lord Brodie, who leads the inquiry, is tasked with getting to the truth for affected families without political interference.
NHSGGC has confirmed the establishment of a new working group, including Dr. Bradnam, to review his specific concerns. Whether this intervention comes in time to restore trust remains a pivotal question for the community and the families seeking answers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Dr. Michael Bradnam and what did he report?
Dr. Michael Bradnam is a medical physicist who worked for the health board for over 40 years. He testified to the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry that he spent 15 years raising concerns about ventilation, electrical safety, and humidity control at the QEUH, all of which he claims were ignored.
What are SBARs in the context of this inquiry?
SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendations. It is the NHS's standard procedure for recording significant operational issues and providing recommendations to management.
What is the status of the investigations into patient deaths at QEUH?
Police are investigating seven deaths at the hospital. A standard prosecution report has been submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) in relation to four of these deaths, while information is still being gathered for the remaining three.
What steps is NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde taking in response?
The health board stated it is reviewing the evidence and has established a new working group, which includes Dr. Bradnam, to investigate his specific concerns and augment expert input.
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