Q&A: Jackie Baillie

Published on Sunday 23 November 2008 20:56

Labour MSP for Dumbarton and campaigner on behalf of the families of those who died after the C.difficile outbreak at the Vale of Leven Hospital.

Why is this issue of C.diff and the Vale of Leven Hospital important?

Firstly, at least 18 people have died because of the C.diff outbreak at the Vale. The families deserve answers about exactly what went wrong. However, the Vale of Leven Hospital is not unique. C.diff has caused deaths at many hospitals across Scotland and there will be lessons that we can learn from the Vale of Leven that will apply across the whole of the NHS.

What purpose would a public inquiry serve?

A public inquiry would get to the heart of what went wrong at the Vale, but, more importantly, (would outline] what lessons need to be learned for every hospital in Scotland. It is essential that we never witness an outbreak on that scale again. The only way for the cloud to be lifted from around this issue is to ensure that it is dealt with transparently by a judge in a public inquiry.

Why should Nicola Sturgeon resign as Health Secretary?

The Health Secretary has displayed a breathtaking degree of complacency on this issue. When she should have been as open as possible with the families, she has prevaricated and withheld information.

The families have been unwavering in their demand for a public inquiry. Nicola Sturgeon knows that it is now some four months on, yet the procurator-fiscal's investigation has barely started. She needs to either call an inquiry now or make way for someone that will.

What do you think should happen now?

Nicola Sturgeon should do the right thing and call a public inquiry immediately. That's what the families want, that's what experts believe is necessary, that's what parliament has already voted for and that's what is required to learn the lessons for every hospital in Scotland, so that public confidence is restored.