The first step to learning from a mistake is accepting that a mistake has been made in the first place.
On that basis NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde ’s sneering and disrespectful submission to the public inquiry into deaths and infections at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is deeply troubling.
Senior NHS officials have complained that the families of dead and sick children used “suspicion” and internet research to unfairly criticise them.
The newly published document seeks at every turn to rubbish their testimony - not by tackling allegations head on, but by pouring scorn on those making them.
At times the lack of humility and compassion is breathtaking, for example when they whine bitterly of a lack of “witnesses appropriately qualified to express an opinion”.
The inquiry being held before Lord Brodie QC has heard evidence and submission from 44 witnesses.
There has been no shortage of experts in every field and the families of those who lost loved ones in the most tragic of circumstances have every right to have their voices heard.
Some of them believe their children contracted fungal infections from an issue with the water supply while being treated for cancer.
There is no doubt that they contracted infections and there is also evidence that NHS authorities have been less that entirely open and transparent about the circumstances.
It is now time for them to be given truthful and honest answers rather than patronised and demeaned by a senior management team who appear most concerned with covering their own backs.
Partygate losers
The party could be well and truly over for the Scottish Conservatives according to an opinion poll for the Sunday Mail.
It suggests public revulsion at allegations Christmas gatherings were held at Downing Street - and that Boris Johnson lied about them - have left his party likely to lose all of its six seats north of the border in a general election.
Meanwhile Labour could be on their way back after years in the doldrums with Scottish voters.
Over the last three months there has been a five per cent increase in the number of people who would vote for them.
The Opinium poll also reveals only 18 per cent of people believe that the Prime Minister tells the truth.
Even among his own voters there is a belief that Johnson struggles with honesty.
While the figures for Nicola Sturgeon and Keir Starmer are much better at 53 per cent and 37 per cent respectively, they show large sections of the population believe politicians lie routinely.
Scandal and sleaze swirling around the Tories at Westminster is clearly driving that perception - and their plunging poll ratings.
Johnson will be well aware that while his party will endure a rogue, it hates losers.
A child is born...
2021 has been a tough year for many families, but nothing inspires hope for the future like a baby.
Congratulations to all the new Christmas mums and dads, and here’s to hoping 2022 is a bit more...normal.
