A CHILD  died at Glasgow’s failure hit Queen Elizabeth University Hospital after contracting an infection linked to pigeon droppings, it has been confirmed.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said the air-borne Cryptococcus bacteria had been a contributing factor in the child’s death in December. No further details were released but it is understood the child was being treated for cancer. 

She also announced that an inquiry is to be launched into the design and construction of the £842million hospital amid growing concern over a catalogue of failures, since it opened in 2015, including contaminated water, faulty glass panels and defective cladding.

It comes after the Evening Times today demanded a full inquiry, backed by politicians, former contractors and construction experts.

Ms Freeman was asked to give public safety assurances by Shadow Health Secretary Monica Lennon, who said it was “extraordinary” that Scotland’s NHS was facing a situation where “pigeons can kill patients.”

Ms Freeman, said the infection had not been a contributory factor in the death of an elderly patient.

Read more: Calls for inquiry into failure hit Queen Elizabeth University Hospital 

She said the source of the bacteria had been traced to a plant room on the 12th floor of the rooftop of the building and said she was “confident” that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde had taken all the correct steps.

She said: “In investigating the source of the bacteria, the estates staff traced it to one plant room on the 12th floor on the rooftop of the building.

“Invisible to the naked eye was a small break in the wall of the plant room where pigeons had entered. 

“What they continue to work on is how the bacteria from the excrement could enter a closed system.

“In November the bacteria was identified in one patient. They were discharged for palliative care. Cryptococcus was not a contributory factor.

“In December a child died. Cyrptococcus was present and a contributing factor. 

“For both families, our thoughts are with them.

Read more: Pigeon problems first reported at QEUH more than two years ago

“I had a detailed briefing with senior board members and family. From the clinical advice, I’m confident the board have taken all the steps they could to ensure patient safety.

“However, I’ve asked Healthcare Environment Inspectorate to fully review this incident and make recommendations including any further steps that need to be taken.”

The Health Secretary was asked why neither the health board or the Scottish Government had released details about the death of the child and the infection outbreak before now.

She said: “The Government was first informed about two patients on December 22. That was the right time for the government to be informed because it followed the post mortem for the child and was the trigger for additional infection controls.

“We have to take the time to identify the source and the manner of spread.”

However, former Health Secretary Alex Neil said the lack of clarity had led to “a great deal of anxiety” from the public and asked for assurances that lessons would be learned.

Read more: Glasgow unit that cleans surgical instruments "riddled" with mould 

Ms Freeman also revealed that two further patients had contracted a fungal infection but said it was unrelated to pigeon excrement.

Monica Lennon told how the Evening Times had reported that concerns were raised two years ago about the risk from pigeons.

She said: “The public is right to be concerned. If this can happen at the flagship QEUH what’s to stop it happening in other hospitals.”

The Health Secretary said the concerns raised were “very different” and a number of measures were put in place including spikes.

She lso announced that a full inquiry is to be launched into the design and the construction of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, which has been plagued by problems related to the the fabric of the building.

Read more: Cancer wards at children's hospital to remain shut for a year for upgrade

She said: “ I have agreed a review, which will look at the design of the building, the construction of the building and the handover of the building in order to identify where issues were raised that should have been raised and where maintenance issues should be more robust. 

"We know there has been a number of issues. I will expect that review to be looking at those.

"By the end of the week, the remit of the review and the expert advice that will be sought will be made public.

"There will be independent expert advice sought on the progress of that review. It is right that we consider the fabric of the QEUH is as fit for purpose as we require it. 

"If there are lessons...then we apply it across the rest of our hospitals, in particular with regard to new builds."

Glasgow Conservative MSP Annie Wells asked for assurances that there would be "full transparency" and Labour MSP Anas Sarwar welcomed the inquiry.