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14/01/2009
Nurses Face Quizzing Over C.Diff Outbreaks
Nurses are to face police questioning over a number of deaths during a Clostridium difficile (C.Diff) outbreak at a Dunbartonshire hospital.
Staff at the Vale of Leven Hospital Hospital - where a C.diff outbreak was linked to 18 deaths and affected 55 people - are to be interviewed after a report, which identified failures in hygiene, were passed to prosecutors last year.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said its members would consult with legal advisers.
Norman Provan, of the RCN Scotland, told Nursing Standard magazine: "This is a difficult time for staff at the Vale of Leven. For those who are asked to attend police interviews, we are arranging for them to meet with our legal advisers before being interviewed."
The magazine also said it is "unusual" for police to question NHS staff over outbreaks of healthcare-related infections.
Strathclyde Police are working alongside the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which has been reviewing the hospital’s paperwork in relation to infection control procedures.
A major incident room with a team of officers has also been set up at Dunbarton Police Station, while the HSE team has three inspectors and three specialists.
A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said the health board was co-operating fully with the investigation and was offering support to staff.
She added: "This police inquiry is not an unexpected development as it has been stated publicly for some time that the police and procurator-fiscal consideration over the outbreak would involve an inquiry and subsequent report to establish if there are any grounds for further actions including consideration of any ensuing criminal proceedings."
The Scottish Government announced new rules this week which will compel health boards to monitor hospital bug infections more closely.
(JM/BMcC)
Staff at the Vale of Leven Hospital Hospital - where a C.diff outbreak was linked to 18 deaths and affected 55 people - are to be interviewed after a report, which identified failures in hygiene, were passed to prosecutors last year.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said its members would consult with legal advisers.
Norman Provan, of the RCN Scotland, told Nursing Standard magazine: "This is a difficult time for staff at the Vale of Leven. For those who are asked to attend police interviews, we are arranging for them to meet with our legal advisers before being interviewed."
The magazine also said it is "unusual" for police to question NHS staff over outbreaks of healthcare-related infections.
Strathclyde Police are working alongside the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which has been reviewing the hospital’s paperwork in relation to infection control procedures.
A major incident room with a team of officers has also been set up at Dunbarton Police Station, while the HSE team has three inspectors and three specialists.
A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said the health board was co-operating fully with the investigation and was offering support to staff.
She added: "This police inquiry is not an unexpected development as it has been stated publicly for some time that the police and procurator-fiscal consideration over the outbreak would involve an inquiry and subsequent report to establish if there are any grounds for further actions including consideration of any ensuing criminal proceedings."
The Scottish Government announced new rules this week which will compel health boards to monitor hospital bug infections more closely.
(JM/BMcC)
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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.
