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11/10/2007
Target-Driven Healthcare Blamed For Superbug Deaths
A number of significant failings - including an emphasis on meeting government targets - resulted in the deaths of 90 people from the clostridium difficile superbug, a Healthcare Commission report has found.
The report into the outbreaks at Kent & Sussex Hospital, Pembury Hospital and Maidstone Hospital blamed staff shortages, dirty wards and concentration on meeting government targets for the scale of the outbreaks.
More than 1,000 people became infected with C diff between April 2004 and September 2006 and a total of 345 died.
It was concluded that the infection was definitely or probably the main cause of death of 90 of those patients.
Rose Gibb, the chief executive of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, resigned from her post last week. It was reported on Thursday afternoon that Ms Gibb's severance pay had been suspended at the request of Health Secretary Alan Johnson.
The Healthcare Commission report has been handed to the Kent Police and Health and Safety Executive and a decision will be made whether or not to bring criminal charges.
(KMcA)
The report into the outbreaks at Kent & Sussex Hospital, Pembury Hospital and Maidstone Hospital blamed staff shortages, dirty wards and concentration on meeting government targets for the scale of the outbreaks.
More than 1,000 people became infected with C diff between April 2004 and September 2006 and a total of 345 died.
It was concluded that the infection was definitely or probably the main cause of death of 90 of those patients.
Rose Gibb, the chief executive of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, resigned from her post last week. It was reported on Thursday afternoon that Ms Gibb's severance pay had been suspended at the request of Health Secretary Alan Johnson.
The Healthcare Commission report has been handed to the Kent Police and Health and Safety Executive and a decision will be made whether or not to bring criminal charges.
(KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
