Sturgeon accused of being sole obstacle to public inquiry into C difficile outbreak

Published on Thursday 20 November 2008 22:29

THE health secretary was yesterday accused by MSPs of being the only obstacle to a public inquiry into C difficile deaths in Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon came under fire from both Iain Gray, the Scottish Labour leader, and Annabel Goldie, the Conservative leader, when she stood in for an ill Alex Salmond at First Minister's Questions.

And the row continued after the exchanges in the chamber, with Labour MSPs claiming that the procurator-fiscal might not be ready for a year and the first meeting involving the fiscal, police and health and safety executive only took place on Wednesday this week.

A spokesman for Ms Sturgeon said that she was being kept informed, but was unaware of the specific allegations.

During First Minister's Questions Ms Sturgeon told MSPs that she had not ruled out a public inquiry into the 18 C difficile related deaths at the Vale of Leven Hospital this year, but was waiting for the procurator-fiscal to report back on whether criminal proceedings should be started.

"I have never ever said that I am unable at this stage to order a public inquiry," she said.

"Instead, what I have said is it is appropriate firstly to focus on the actions to rectify significant failings at the Vale of Leven and to allow due process in terms of the ongoing police investigation to take place."

But Mr Gray attacked her for "hiding behind due process". "There is no reason why that cannot happen," he said.

Mr Gray said Ms Sturgeon was now "the only obstacle" to an inquiry being held and asked her: "How many people need to tell her she is wrong before she calls a public inquiry?

"This parliament voted in September for a public inquiry into the C difficile outbreak to ensure all Scotland learns the lessons of the Vale of Leven."

He also attacked her for saying she was satisfied with a report drawn up after a "rapid investigation" into the Vale of Leven deaths which came up with 40 recommendations, which Ms Sturgeon said had all been acted on. The report has been criticised as inadequate, not least because no ward nurses were interviewed. And Mr Gray pointed out that Ms Sturgeon in opposition had often called for public inquiries.

"In government she resists doggedly. What is she afraid of? What is she trying to cover up? She is the only obstacle to the inquiry we need," he said.

Ms Goldie said Scotland has the worst record for hospital infection in the UK.

She demanded that the Scottish Government starts looking at hospital infections not on a "health by health board basis", as is currently done, but on a "hospital by hospital and ward by ward" basis.