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Dr Gulhane raises a number of points. First, I reiterate that patients must be at the heart of the process. The families, to whom I pay tribute, must get the answers that they are seeking, and that will come through the public inquiry that this Government commissioned being allowed to conclude its work and report. I am confident that Lord Brodie will do that, and I ask that he is given the space to do that.

As I set out in my statement, those families will also be involved in the oversight group, the independence of which is confirmed by the co-chairing of Sir Lewis Ritchie, whose reputation everybody will be aware of. The group will also report to Government.

There is also new leadership in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, who—as I said in my statement—I have full confidence in, in relation to their responding to the issues of culture that need to be responded to.

In terms of what we knew as a Government and when, the evidence before the inquiry clearly shows that the Scottish Government was made aware of a water contamination issue at the Queen Elizabeth university hospital only in March 2018. That is a matter of record from the public inquiry. [Interruption.]

With regard to the current situation, I have set out my confidence in the safety of the hospital. I also sent in Healthcare Improvement Scotland to carry out an inspection to look at the whole hospital and its systems. I set that out in detail in my statement in March of last year.

However, I recognise the need to provide greater confidence to colleagues here, as well as to patients, families and the wider public. That is why we have established the oversight group with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

—can get assurance on the current safety of the hospital, which, I am clear, is safe.

The Inquiries Act 2005, which was passed by the United Kingdom Parliament, was further strengthened by this Parliament’s passing of the Inquiries (Scotland) Rules 2007. Those pieces of legislation put in place a range of powers that are available to any public inquiry that is established in Scotland. Those wide-ranging powers, which include powers to compel witnesses and the production of all relevant information, are extensive and enshrine the independence of public inquiries, which ensures that they are protected from any undue influence.

It is right that we allow Lord Brodie the space and time to deliberate fully on all the evidence that is before the inquiry, and we look forward to responding to those findings in due course.

As I set out in my statement, Healthcare Improvement Scotland responded that there has been significant progress made—

Scotland’s patient safety programme, which was world leading when it was launched in 2008, has reduced avoidable harm across multiple areas. We support Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s inspection programme to drive continuous improvement. The Patient Safety Commissioner, who was appointed following the Cumberlege review, advocates for patients and systemic improvement.

The patient safety programme leads are working with boards on the co-design and implementation of Martha’s rule in Scotland. Parliament has also introduced the patient safety charter, which reflects concerns that have been raised by families, including the family of Milly Main, to whom I pay the utmost tribute.

I have been quoting evidence that has been led in the public inquiry, but I have not sought to make judgments as to the conclusion of the public inquiry. That is the distinction that I am seeking to draw.

I am not concluding that the hospital is safe purely on the evidence that has come through the public inquiry. That is additional—I am making that conclusion on the basis of Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s work and the confidence that I have in the current leadership of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

I think that it is important—I think that Martin Whitfield would also—that Lord Brodie is able to conduct his business and come to his conclusions, independent of any interference, so that the families can get answers. That is fundamental to the effective operation of public inquiries and to the continued confidence of the public in Parliament.

As I set out in my statement, such involvement in that area would be welcome. I am happy to set out in writing—I plan to write to all Opposition spokespeople—the details of that and how potential representatives can interact with me and with the chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde as to the workings of the group. I am clear that it is a route to provide greater confidence for the public, and for members of this Parliament and others, as to the current safety of the Queen Elizabeth hospital. I am confident of that, but I recognise that there needs to be greater assurance provided.

Yes, I do. I hope that my interactions with Liz Smith on another public inquiry will give her confidence in relation to what I am saying here and why I am saying it. I am attempting to ensure that the independence of a public inquiry is respected and that it is allowed to do its work.

I am also conscious that, given the amended motion that was agreed last week, we must give greater assurance to the Parliament and members of the public as to the current safety of the hospital. That is why we have taken steps to provide that through the oversight group that Professor Sir Lewis Ritchie will assist in co-chairing. We are doing that precisely because I want to address the points that Liz Smith makes. I understand the perspective that she is coming at this from.

Absolutely—I have already committed to fully considering all parts of Lord Brodie’s final report and, in particular, the recommendations that are made whenever Lord Brodie makes them. We owe it to the families and patients who have been impacted to effect real and meaningful change, and we will fully and transparently implement any recommendations that Lord Brodie makes to the Scottish Government.

I can say categorically that the hospital is safe. I have set out that the evidence that has been led to the public inquiry is a matter of public record. I will not second guess the conclusions of the public inquiry. However, along with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, we have set up an oversight group with an independent co-chair in Sir Lewis Ritchie in order to provide independent oversight and assurance as to the hospital’s safety. I can confirm that I am confident that the hospital is absolutely safe. [Interruption.]