What assessment it has made of any impact of the achievement of BREEAM environmental sustainability standards on the prioritisation of pati…

The Scottish Government has made no assessment which concludes that achievement of BREEAM environmental sustainability standards was prioritised over patient safety, infection prevention and control, or clinical requirements during the design and construction of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. BREEAM is an environmental assessment methodology intended to support the delivery of sustainable buildings. It is not intended to replace or take precedence over clinical, patient safety, infection prevention and control, statutory or other technical requirements.NHS healthcare facilities are designed and constructed in accordance with a range of standards, guidance and technical requirements. Patient safety, infection prevention and control, and the delivery of safe and effective clinical services remain fundamental considerations throughout the design, construction and operation of healthcare facilities.The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry is examining matters relating to the planning, design, construction, commissioning and maintenance of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus and it would not be appropriate to pre-empt the Inquiry's findings.The Scottish Government remains committed to considering carefully any recommendations arising from the Inquiry and to ensuring that lessons identified are reflected, where appropriate, in the planning, design and delivery of future healthcare infrastructure projects.