The Scottish Parliament’s Health Committee is to hold a short inquiry into health hazards in healthcare facilities.  

On the 19th March, it will take evidence from UK and Scottish bodies that are responsible for overseeing and inspecting healthcare facilities.  

This comes after an infection at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow, believed to have stemmed from pigeon droppings, contributed to the death of an infant.  

The inquiry will operate alongside an independent review announced by the Health Secretary, Jeane Freeman, that will examine the design, construction and maintenance of the building. 

At its meeting on the 29th January, MSPs on the nine-member committee agreed to look into the scale of health problems acquired from the healthcare environment and consider the ‘wider implications’ for health facilities.  

The committee will also consider whether current systems and processes for controlling infection hazards are adequate. 

At its meeting on the 19th March, the committee will be taking evidence from Healthcare Environment Inspectorate, Health Protection Scotland and Health Facilities Scotland, which support NHS boards on cleanliness, infection control and facilities.  

The Health & Safety Executive, a UK-level independent regulator, will also be giving evidence.