It was revealed last week that parents whose babies died at NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s Crosshouse Hospital were calling for a public inquiry into their cases.
It follows a series of complaints made by whistleblowers and families surrounding serious adverse incidents within the health board.
And in a letter today to health secretary Shona Robison, she has been challenged to explain why such warnings – first made back in 2006 – have not been properly acted upon.
Former worker Rab Wilson first contacted the Scottish Government 10 years ago about a serious adverse event, which he says was “buried”.
He continued to press ministers until Nicola Sturgeon, when health secretary in 2012, ordered an investigation.
In his letter, shadow health secretary Donald Cameron said the family of baby Lucas Morton, who died at Crosshouse last year, tried to make contact with ministers, but received no response.
He demanded Ms Robison outlines when she first became aware of unnecessary deaths at NHS Ayrshire and Arran, why Mr Wilson’s concerns weren’t acted upon, and why correspondence from the Morton family was ignored.
Given Healthcare Improvement Scotland carried out an earlier review at the health board, he added, the SNP should consider whether it is the appropriate body to carry out another probe.
Ms Robinson should also consider widening the investigation, following reports of deaths at Caithness General Hospital in the weekend’s press, he said.
Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary Donald Cameron said:
“Patient safety is imperative, and it starts with a culture of improvement and openness.
“One way or another, the Scottish Government has known about these issues for more than a decade.
“That’s why it must explain exactly what action it took to change how adverse incidents are handled following the initial warnings.
“These are incredibly sensitive cases, and it takes a lot for the victims and former workers to speak out.
“The health secretary has a number of critical questions to answer on this front, and nothing short of complete honesty will suffice.”