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Public inquiry 'still on agenda' MSPs back hospital deaths inquiry
(about 4 hours later)
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 Scottish Parliament has called for a public inquiry into a fatal outbreak of the bug Clostridium difficile at a West Dunbartonshire hospital.
The infection at Vale of Leven Hospital, in West Dunbartonshire, caused the deaths of nine patients and was a contributory factor in nine more. MSPs voted for the move after Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said she had not ruled one out.
Ms Sturgeon previously said an independent review she ordered was "the right way to go". The infection at Vale of Leven Hospital caused the deaths of nine patients and was a contributory factor in nine more.
Families of the victims came to Holyrood to demand a public probe. Ms Sturgeon had previously said an independent review she ordered was "the right way to go".
Families of the victims came to Holyrood to demand a public probe, where parliament later backed a Labour motion supporting their call.
Ms Sturgeon told MSPs during a debate: "Such a course of action has never been ruled out and I don't rule it out today."
Infection drive
A total of 55 people were affected by the outbreak at the hospital, in Alexandria, between December last year and June this year.A total of 55 people were affected by the outbreak at the hospital, in Alexandria, between December last year and June this year.
'Severe tragedy'
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."
The health secretary added that the findings of the independent review, which highlighted a lack of infection control procedures, has been referred to prosecutors.The health secretary added that the findings of the independent review, which highlighted a lack of infection control procedures, has been referred to prosecutors.
Labour health spokeswoman Margaret Curran said such an investigation was needed, given "the severity of the circumstances and the tragedy involved". Labour health spokeswoman Margaret Curran said a public inquiry would reflect "the severity of the circumstances and the tragedy involved".
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. Relatives of those affected by the Vale of Leven outbreak went to Holyrood, along with leading microbiologist, Professor Hugh Pennington, who also called for a public inquiry.
He told BBC Scotland: "There is a general issue of hospital-acquired infection which everybody is concerned about and we do have higher levels in Scotland than we should have - one of the highest in Europe."He told BBC Scotland: "There is a general issue of hospital-acquired infection which everybody is concerned about and we do have higher levels in Scotland than we should have - one of the highest in Europe."
The Scottish Government has announced a three-year, £54m drive to cut infection rates.The Scottish Government has announced a three-year, £54m drive to cut infection rates.
Labour's call for a public inquiry was backed by the Liberal Democrats, although the Tories urged the parties to let the Crown Office look into the deaths before pressing for one.Labour's call for a public inquiry was backed by the Liberal Democrats, although the Tories urged the parties to let the Crown Office look into the deaths before pressing for one.