Facilities and procedures at a Scottish hospital have been branded “appalling” in an independent review following an outbreak of C difficile.
The investigation was ordered after an outbreak of the C difficile virus at the Vale of Leven Hospital left more than 50 patients infected. The virus is thought to be directly responsible for the death of nine patients.
The report states that the rate of infection at the hospital is “significantly higher” than the national average, but, due to ineffective local surveillance, no review was called for at the time.
Health Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that the recommendations made in the report would be accepted in full, including a zero-tolerance policy to non-compliance of hand hygiene by NHS staff, ensuring that antibiotics are prescribed correctly and mandatory surveillance of C difficile.
Ms Sturgeon said: “NHS Boards should be in no doubt – leadership, governance and accountability are the means by which patients and the families can have confidence in our hospitals.”
