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Remit for C.diff outbreak inquiry C.diff inquiry remit 'too narrow'
(about 3 hours later)
The public inquiry examining deaths from Clostridium difficile (C.diff) at a Dunbartonshire hospital will be able to refer to other cases in the UK. The remit for the public inquiry into the Clostridium difficile (C.diff) deaths at a Dunbartonshire hospital has been criticised as "too narrow".
The inquiry will also probe how the infection occurred at the Vale of Leven and the response of health authorities. Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said the inquiry under Lord MacLean would be able to refer to other cases in the UK.
The remit of the inquiry was announced following consultation with chairman Lord MacLean. But Scottish Labour said the probe should be able to "consider the wider incidence of C.diff" in Scotland.
A total of 55 people developed C.diff and 18 people died after the outbreak at the Vale of Leven in December 2007.A total of 55 people developed C.diff and 18 people died after the outbreak at the Vale of Leven in December 2007.
A subsequent report into the cases identified "inadequate" infection control procedures at the hospital.A subsequent report into the cases identified "inadequate" infection control procedures at the hospital.
The inquiry, which is expected to report within a year of its start date, will look at the circumstances surrounding C.diff rates at the Vale of Leven. The inquiry, which is expected to begin in the next few months and report back within a year, will look at the circumstances surrounding C.diff rates at the Vale of Leven.
It will examine the effectiveness of "management and clinical response", including "steps taken to prevent or reduce the spread of infection".It will examine the effectiveness of "management and clinical response", including "steps taken to prevent or reduce the spread of infection".
I hope this inquiry brings answers for all the families devastated by these deaths and ensures any lessons are shared across NHS Scotland to prevent an outbreak like this from ever happening again Nicola Sturgeon MSPScottish Health SecretaryI hope this inquiry brings answers for all the families devastated by these deaths and ensures any lessons are shared across NHS Scotland to prevent an outbreak like this from ever happening again Nicola Sturgeon MSPScottish Health Secretary
The role of health authority, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, in response to the outbreak will also come under scrutiny.The role of health authority, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, in response to the outbreak will also come under scrutiny.
Confirming the remit of the inquiry, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon, said: "The focus of the inquiry is rightly on the 55 infections and 18 deaths associated with C.diff at the Vale of Leven between December 2007 and June 2008. Confirming the remit of the inquiry, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "The focus of the inquiry is rightly on the 55 infections and 18 deaths associated with C.diff at the Vale of Leven between December 2007 and June 2008.
"But the terms also enable the inquiry to refer to other experiences of C.diff in Scotland or elsewhere, as well as looking at issues such as death certification at the Vale of Leven and Scotland generally."But the terms also enable the inquiry to refer to other experiences of C.diff in Scotland or elsewhere, as well as looking at issues such as death certification at the Vale of Leven and Scotland generally.
"I hope this inquiry brings answers for all the families devastated by these deaths and ensures any lessons are shared across NHS Scotland to prevent an outbreak like this from ever happening again.""I hope this inquiry brings answers for all the families devastated by these deaths and ensures any lessons are shared across NHS Scotland to prevent an outbreak like this from ever happening again."
The inquiry will also examine the steps taken at the Vale of Leven and NHS Scotland for recording C.diff, including for the purposes of death certification.The inquiry will also examine the steps taken at the Vale of Leven and NHS Scotland for recording C.diff, including for the purposes of death certification.
The systems in place at the hospital to identify and notify cases, as well as increased rates of infection, outbreaks and deaths associated with C.diff, including the action taken to inform patients, relatives and the public, will also come under scrutiny.The systems in place at the hospital to identify and notify cases, as well as increased rates of infection, outbreaks and deaths associated with C.diff, including the action taken to inform patients, relatives and the public, will also come under scrutiny.
'Recent fatalities'
Lord MacLean will also be asked to report on what lessons should be learned from the outbreak and to make recommendations.Lord MacLean will also be asked to report on what lessons should be learned from the outbreak and to make recommendations.
The remit of the inquiry has drawn criticism from Scottish Labour.
Health spokeswoman Cathy Jamieson said: "Nicola Sturgeon needs to explain why the terms of reference are so narrow and fail to consider the wider incidence of C.diff.
"The inquiry should not ignore the recent outbreaks at Gartnavel Hospital, in Glasgow, or the recent fatalities at hospitals in Kirkwall and Elgin earlier this year.
Given all that the families have been through I believe they had the right to meet with the inquiry's new chair, Lord MacLean, and the fact that this has not happened is a breach of trust by the Scottish Government Jackie BaillieLabour MSP for Dumbarton
"I believe that the inquiry should listen to experts like Professor Hugh Pennington and take evidence from as many sources as possible.
"I hope that Lord MacLean will ensure that families in every part of Scotland get the answers they deserve."
Labour MSP for Dumbarton, Jackie Baillie, whose constituency includes the Vale of Leven hospital, accused Ms Sturgeon of attempting to "straitjacket" the public inquiry through its remit.
"The terms of reference have not even mentioned an investigation of any of the actions of Health Protection Scotland or any other part of NHS Scotland, who ultimately have responsibility for tackling C.diff," she said.
"The cabinet secretary has also broken a promise to the families that they would meet the chair of the inquiry before the terms of reference were agreed.
"Given all that the families have been through I believe they had the right to meet with the inquiry's new chair, Lord MacLean, and the fact that this has not happened is a breach of trust by the Scottish Government."
Liberal Democrat public health spokesman Jamie Stone said: "The announced terms give scope for the inquiry to examine other cases, but the health secretary should make sure of this by making it a specific part of the remit for the inquiry.
"It took the health secretary seven months to announce a public inquiry. During that delay, more people lost their lives in hospitals across the country from this killer infection and public trust in hospitals has plunged.
"It's crucial that there is now no further delay to this inquiry. The families need answers and Scotland's patients need its advice."