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Inquiry call into C.diff deaths Public inquiry 'still on agenda'
(about 4 hours later)
Labour is to call for a public inquiry into the deaths of patients after the Clostridium difficile outbreak at Vale of Leven hospital. A public inquiry into a fatal outbreak of the bug Clostridium difficile has not been ruled out, Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon has insisted.
The party's health spokesman Margaret Curran will use a debate at Holyrood to say lessons must be learned so the tragedy is never repeated. The infection at Vale of Leven Hospital, in West Dunbartonshire, caused the deaths of nine patients and was a contributory factor in nine more.
The Scottish Government launched an independent inquiry into the incidents, but has ruled out a public one. Ms Sturgeon previously said an independent review she ordered was "the right way to go".
Families of some of the victims will also attend the debate at Holyrood. Families of the victims came to Holyrood to demand a public probe.
Public confidence A total of 55 people were affected by the outbreak at the hospital, in Alexandria, between December last year and June this year.
The extent of C.diff infection at Vale of Leven in West Dunbartonshire came to light after a retrospective investigation by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. 'Severe tragedy'
It identified 54 cases of infection between December 2007 and June this year at the hospital, in Alexandria. After Labour again pressed for a public inquiry during a debate at Holyrood, Ms Sturgeon responded: "Such a course of action has never been ruled out and I don't rule it out today."
Nine patients died as a direct result of the infection and C.diff was cited as a "contributory factor" in nine others. The health secretary added that the findings of the independent review, which highlighted a lack of infection control procedures, has been referred to prosecutors.
I hope that every MSP will consider the views of the families who have lost loved ones to C. diff when they vote in today's debate. Labour health spokeswoman Margaret Curran said such an investigation was needed, given "the severity of the circumstances and the tragedy involved".
Ms Curran said: "I hope that every MSP will consider the views of the families who have lost loved ones to C. diff when they vote in today's debate. Relatives of those affected by the Vale of Leven outbreak attended the debate, along with leading microbiologist, Professor Hugh Pennington, who also called for a public inquiry.
"We need a public inquiry to ensure that public confidence is restored in the NHS and lessons are learned. The Scottish Government has announced a three-year, £54m drive to cut infection rates.
"The tragic outbreak at the Vale of Leven Hospital, in which 18 people died, must never be repeated."