EVERYTHING MUST BE DONE TO ENSURE PROPER AND LASTING IMPROVEMENTS TO NHS INFECTION CONTROL

Reacting to Health Protection Scotland’s quarterly report on C.difficile infection in Scotland from April to June 2011, Thompsons Solicitors, who represents the families taking part in the Public Inquiry into the Vale of Leven C.difficile outbreak, said that the figures highlighted the need for infection control to remain a top Scottish Government and NHS priority.

The figures reveal an increase in infection among patients aged 65 and over from 355 in the first quarter of 2011 to 378 (6.5%) but represents a 34.5% decrease in infection rates compared to the same time last year (577 cases).

For those aged between 15 and 64, the number of C.Difficile cases increased by 26% to 160 – a 3% decrease on the same time last year.

Partner at Thompsons Solicitors and solicitor for the families involved in the Vale of Leven C.difficile Inquiry, Patrick McGuire, said:

“These figures make it absolutely clear that infection control must remain a top priority for the Scottish Government and the health service.  

“Progress to reduce the number of infections has been made over the years, but any increase in C.difficile infection must be treated with concern and focus minds on what more can be done to ensure proper and lasting improvements to infection control.

“With the Public Inquiry into the C.difficile outbreak at the Vale of Leven, Thompsons Solicitors and the families involved in the tragedy, want to get answers and lasting change to how infection is controlled in our hospitals.  Families saw their loved ones go into hospital and never come out.  Everything must be done to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.”