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Vale of Leven Inquiry
24/06/2009
A new chairman is being sought for the Vale of Leven public inquiry, following the withdrawal - for health reasons - of Lord Coulsfield who had agreed to chair the inquiry.
The inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding the 2008 outbreak of Clostridium difficile in which 55 people developed C.diff and 18 people died.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said today she was committed to ensuring the public inquiry got under way as quickly as possible.
Ms Sturgeon said:
"What happened at the Vale of Leven was a tragedy - it's vital that all possible lessons are learned to prevent it happening again.
"That's what the public inquiry will do and I want it to begin its work as soon as possible. We have already made good progress including establishing an inquiry secretariat.
"I regret that - for health reasons - Lord Coulsfield is now unable to undertake the role of chairman. I am, however, grateful to him for the preliminary work he has already taken forward.
"We are now taking steps to appoint a new chairman, and agree the terms of reference, as a matter of urgency. I will keep Parliament updated on progress."
Following the outbreak, Ms Sturgeon commissioned an independent review of procedures at the hospital which made a number of recommendations. A follow-up report, published in February, found that 'rapid and very significant progress' had been made in implementing these improvements.
The public inquiry, set up under the 2005 Inquiries Act, will be independent of Scottish Ministers. It will have the power to require witnesses to give evidence, both orally and in writing, and to require the production of documents.
Under the Inquiries Act, the terms of reference for the inquiry must be agreed with the chairman.
The Scottish Government is investing £54 million (over three years) in a range of measures to tackle hospital infections. These include: a national MRSA screening programme, prudent prescribing of antibiotics, and a Healthcare Environment Inspectorate to carry out unannounced inspections of hospitals.