The NHS has been accused of covering up another out break of clostridium difficile (C-Diff).  The latest outbreak occurred at Gray’s Hospital in Elgin where 16 patients have been diagnosed in the last 6 weeks.  Two patients have died as a result of the superbug.

Only yesterday Elgin Hospital banned further admissions to wards 7 and 9, leading Labour MSP Jackie Baillie to accuse NHS Grampian of a cover-up.

“It is completely unacceptable for a Scottish Health Board to hide the full facts about an outbreak of C Difficile.  The fact two patients have died is deeply concerning.”

Given the alleged cover-up, the outbreak and two other deaths earlier this year at Balfour Hospital in Kirkwall there is growing pressure on the SNP to extend the scope of the Public Inquiry to all hospitals where C-Diff has been a factor in the deaths of patients.

Thompsons Solicitors are leading the way in the UK in terms of representing the interests of victims of C-Diff and their families.  

Solicitor Advocate, Patrick McGuire represents victims and families who have lost loved ones in connection with C-Diff and MRSA from across Scotland.  He successfully led a campaign with the families of victims affected by the C-Diff at the Vale of Leven hospital calling for a Public Inquiry into the deaths.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon announced in April that a full Public Inquiry shall take place and shall be chaired by Lord Coulsfield.  

The scope of the Inquiry has still to be announced but Thompsons Senior Partner, Frank Maguire believes:

“The interests of the families of the victims at Gray’s Hospital and Balfour Hospital must be included within the scope of the Inquiry, or a separate Inquiry must be held.

The right to an Inquiry exists because two families, whose loved ones died from Hepatitis C infections contracted in our hospitals, fought for and obtained a right to an Inquiry founding on Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights – the right to life.

In these cases the causes of death were different but the blame on the NHS, the underlying point of law and the catastrophic affect on families remains the same.

Thompsons supported the families in their successful fight for an Inquiry here and will represent them at it.  

We shall also support all families and victims of C-Diff in their push for answers knowing we are backed by impassable Human Rights legislation.

If you or any of your family have been the victim of a hospital acquired infection please call our No Win No Fee Lawyers who will advise you on the first step towards receiving compensation or complete the compensation claim form.