The public inquiry looking at safety issues around two crisis-hit Scottish hospitals will be chaired by Lord Brodie.

The High Court judge will lead the investigation into the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) campus and the delayed new Sick Kid’s hospital in Edinburgh, which was announced in September.

It will examine how serious problems relating to construction occurred and what steps can be taken to prevent these in future projects.

Last week health secretary Jeane Freeman confirmed this will include the issue of water contamination, after fears were raised it could be linked to patient infections and the deaths of two children at QEUH in 2017.

Announcing his appointment, Ms Freeman said she intended to meet with Lord Brodie before the end of the year to discuss the terms and timescales for the inquiry.

She said these would be shared with patients and their families, with an update provided to Parliament early in the new year.

“This is crucial work and I am pleased that a person of Lord Brodie’s stature and legal standing will lead this important inquiry.

“The safety of patients and their families will always be my top priority – they must have the right support and information to give them confidence that they are receiving the best care possible from our NHS.

“This inquiry and its recommendations will help us learn lessons from recent issues so they are not repeated in the future.”

Last week Ms Freeman placed NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in special measures to restore “public confidence” as pressure mounted over the health board’s handling of the crisis.