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THE WATT GROUP REPORT
PREFACE
The outbreak of
Salmonella infection in the Victoria Infirmary was a tragic episode for the patients who died and their relatives. It also had an impact on the Hospital and its staff. It is, therefore, particularly important to ensure that appropriate lessons are learned for the future both in the Hospital itself and in the wider NHS.
The Review identified a series of shortcomings at all levels. Some of these shortcomings were specific to the organisation concerned but many we believe could have been replicated throughout Scotland.
Some, but not all, of the failures and shortcomings that we detail have already been identified and remedial actions put in place. These are in addition to the recent initiatives relating to all aspects of hospital acquired infection (HAI) which will have important benefits in reducing HAI in the future.
The Review, and this Report, were team efforts. I would like to thank the members of the Review Group for their hard work, their professionalism and their support. If our recommendations help to reduce the risks of HAI and to improve the management of outbreaks in the future, some good will have come out of this sad episode.
BRIAN WATT
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