24 C Diff deaths prompt call for review in Scots hospitals
Pressure on the Scottish Government to publish a detailed breakdown of hospital-acquired infections across the country was growing yesterday as new figures showed that 24 people died in a single year from the clostridium difficile bug in one of Scotland's smallest health board areas.
The demands for a nationwide review came on the same day the UK Government's chief medical officer said vaccines against both C Diff and MRSA will be available within the next decade.
Professor Sir Liam Donaldson said immunising patients against the infections would represent a "big breakthrough" in the fight against hospital-acquired infections.
Figures released by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon in response to a parliamentary question from Labour MSP Irene Oldfather reveal that on average two people in the Ayrshire and Arran health board area died from C Diff every month between June 2007 and May 2008.
Although details of where they picked up the infection were not disclosed, there are just two general hospitals - Crosshouse in Kilmarnock, and Ayr - in the health board's area.
Ms Oldfather, MSP for Cunninghame South, said she was "shocked" at the extent of the problem. The total number of cases during the 12-month period was 658, compared to 540 over the previous year.
"I was very shocked, and people will rightly be alarmed by these figures. They represent around an 18% rise from the previous year," she said.
"We have reached a stage where there must be a complete overhaul of procedures. There just is no more room for complacency. We have all been reading about the problems at the Vale of Leven Hospital, but it's not just the Vale that is affected by this problem.
"I will now table a question for the minister asking her to give a detailed breakdown of the number of cases in all of Scotland's health board areas. We had a debate on this issue in the parliament three months ago, yet the problem is getting worse. It is unacceptable that people are dying from preventable illnesses."
Last Friday Ms Sturgeon, in response to a different parliamentary question, revealed a patient died during a C Diff outbreak at the Victoria Infirmary in Glasgow last month.
The death came in the aftermath of an outbreak of the bug at the Vale of Leven Hospital in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, which affected more than 50 patients.
A total of 18 deaths over a six-month period have been linked to the C Diff outbreak, and in half of the cases it was the main cause of death. Ms Sturgeon announced an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the outbreak at Vale of Leven, but families of some of those who died wrote to her over the weekend pushing for a public inquiry into the matter.
It was also reported over the weekend that inspectors found a series of potential health hazards at the hospital months after the outbreak began, including dirty toilets and wards with no working wash basins.
A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which operates Vale of Leven, said yesterday: "We have a rigorous cleaning programme in all of our hospitals and the Scottish Government is routinely updated about our compliance with set national standards.
"We are aware of this local snap-shot' report and acted on its contents immediately. The information within it helped us prioritise a series of actions being taken now."
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said: "We are investing £54m over the next three years to tackle healthcare-associated infections - a 260% increase on the previous administration's funding."
Meanwhile, Professor Sir Liam Donaldson gave a preview yesterday of his annual report, due to be published today. He said it is hoped a vaccine against C Diff will be available within five years, and one against MRSA within five to 10 years.
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Posted by: subrosa on 11:23pm Sun 13 Jul 08
Ms Oldfather is shocked is she? C.diff is nothing new and has been increasing for years. Why didn't the last labour/libdem lot do something about it instead of shouting now. Shameful. It is not a party political issue but a matter of public health.
Ms Oldfather is shocked is she? C.diff is nothing new and has been increasing for years. Why didn't the last labour/libdem lot do something about it instead of shouting now. Shameful. It is not a party political issue but a matter of public health.
Posted by: SALTIRE, GLASGOW on 5:19am Mon 14 Jul 08
And what about those other people who have died as a direct result of contracting c.diff, whose bodies were left so weakend by the C.Diff virus that they die at home prematurely, yet the death certificate will not show C.Diff as a cause . Yes it does happen no matter what they health boards would have us believe, these deaths which if they were in hospital we would no doubt be told the patient had C.Diff but the death is 'unrelated and as a result of another condition/illness'. Elderly people who have been deprived of life as a direct result of this body and soul destroying virus leaving them struggling and unable to fight theses other conditions as well as they could had they not contracted C.Diff in the hospital in the first place. A direct result of the the disgusting state of our hospitals. I'm sure if these deaths were to be included it would show a higher percentage of C.Diff deaths. Selective reporting to keep the figuires low?!. I haven't seen or heard of any outbreaks in Rosshall, Nuffield or other private hospitals, I'd be intrigued to know if they have ever had any cases let alone deaths. And it's not something to be scoring points on politically, the SNP have simply inherited the problem. However it's time there was a cross-party task force set up, who won't waste more money on consultation reports to tell them what is already evident.
And what about those other people who have died as a direct result of contracting c.diff, whose bodies were left so weakend by the C.Diff virus that they die at home prematurely, yet the death certificate will not show C.Diff as a cause . Yes it does happen no matter what they health boards would have us believe, these deaths which if they were in hospital we would no doubt be told the patient had C.Diff but the death is 'unrelated and as a result of another condition/illness'. Elderly people who have been deprived of life as a direct result of this body and soul destroying virus leaving them struggling and unable to fight theses other conditions as well as they could had they not contracted C.Diff in the hospital in the first place. A direct result of the the disgusting state of our hospitals. I'm sure if these deaths were to be included it would show a higher percentage of C.Diff deaths. Selective reporting to keep the figuires low?!. I haven't seen or heard of any outbreaks in Rosshall, Nuffield or other private hospitals, I'd be intrigued to know if they have ever had any cases let alone deaths. And it's not something to be scoring points on politically, the SNP have simply inherited the problem. However it's time there was a cross-party task force set up, who won't waste more money on consultation reports to tell them what is already evident.
Posted by: nursey, alexandria on 9:46am Mon 14 Jul 08
Saltire I can not confirm private hospitals infection rates but Iam sure they will be low .Not because of better hygiene standards but because of their ability to select their clients.they do not take the saturday night crowd or the elderly who have lain for three days at home being doubly incontinent and becoming increasingly dehydrated and getting malnourished making them the most difficult patients to try and treat.please don,t play into the hands of profiteers who will willingly step in to destroy the services we have and own to line stock holders pockets.
Saltire I can not confirm private hospitals infection rates but Iam sure they will be low .Not because of better hygiene standards but because of their ability to select their clients.they do not take the saturday night crowd or the elderly who have lain for three days at home being doubly incontinent and becoming increasingly dehydrated and getting malnourished making them the most difficult patients to try and treat.please don,t play into the hands of profiteers who will willingly step in to destroy the services we have and own to line stock holders pockets.
Posted by: ionnsaigh, Glasgow on 10:03am Mon 14 Jul 08
My brother George Donoghue 54 died as a result of C-Diff infection ward 4 Vale of Leven. We don't belong to the Tuesday group set up in response to the outbreak. This is a Family statement.
The bereaved family of George Donoghue today - appeal directly to Nicola Sturgeon the minister responsible for health in Scotland - We address the SNP government in Edinburgh. George was one of many who died tragically and unnecessary in the Vale of Leven Hospitals C-Diff outbreak. The worst contamination of it’s kind in Scotland. We ask the Health Minister to instigate a full public inquiry. Public confidence in the Health Service has been badly damaged as a result of this completely avoidable disaster.
The SNP say they stand for a free and independent Scotland. They have at their means the power to grant - the large section of the Scottish electorate - who are currently served by the board - both the right to an inquiry - and the fundamental human right in a civilized society - to receive high standards of care in clean hospitals.
The people of central west coast Scotland - have contributed greatly - to the overall economy and well being of Scotland. Yet we have had to endure - to the shame of Britain some of the highest incidents of chronic illness - and premature death in Western Europe. We recognize - the self evident relationship between poverty and ill health - who’s existence is irrefutably marked on the poor - a bleak and damming picture painted by previous administrations. You now have this opportunity to right a great wrong . The people of oil rich Scotland deserve a health service - second to none. By granting this appeal - you take one step closer to a free fair and just Scotland.
The one month review of the current crisis - appears to have been made in haste. One in which the limited timescale - casts doubt on your sincerity and determination to get to the truth - then as a matter of the highest moral priority - your government must proceed to wipe out Scotland’s biggest killer - Poverty.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
My brother George Donoghue 54 died as a result of C-Diff infection ward 4 Vale of Leven. We don't belong to the Tuesday group set up in response to the outbreak. This is a Family statement.
The bereaved family of George Donoghue today - appeal directly to Nicola Sturgeon the minister responsible for health in Scotland - We address the SNP government in Edinburgh. George was one of many who died tragically and unnecessary in the Vale of Leven Hospitals C-Diff outbreak. The worst contamination of it’s kind in Scotland. We ask the Health Minister to instigate a full public inquiry. Public confidence in the Health Service has been badly damaged as a result of this completely avoidable disaster.
The SNP say they stand for a free and independent Scotland. They have at their means the power to grant - the large section of the Scottish electorate - who are currently served by the board - both the right to an inquiry - and the fundamental human right in a civilized society - to receive high standards of care in clean hospitals.
The people of central west coast Scotland - have contributed greatly - to the overall economy and well being of Scotland. Yet we have had to endure - to the shame of Britain some of the highest incidents of chronic illness - and premature death in Western Europe. We recognize - the self evident relationship between poverty and ill health - who’s existence is irrefutably marked on the poor - a bleak and damming picture painted by previous administrations. You now have this opportunity to right a great wrong . The people of oil rich Scotland deserve a health service - second to none. By granting this appeal - you take one step closer to a free fair and just Scotland.
The one month review of the current crisis - appears to have been made in haste. One in which the limited timescale - casts doubt on your sincerity and determination to get to the truth - then as a matter of the highest moral priority - your government must proceed to wipe out Scotland’s biggest killer - Poverty.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
Posted by: Anne on 11:44am Mon 14 Jul 08
How about - Acinetobacter baumannii - an opportunistic pathogen?
Since Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 more than 700 US soldiers infected or colonised with A baumannii. Significant number of additional cases found in Canadian and BRITISH armed forces, and among wounded Iraq civilians.
Armed Force Institute of Pathology recorded seven deaths caused by bacteria in US hospitals. four were civilians who picked up the bug at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC. another was a 63-year old woman chronically ill who shared ward at Landstuhl with infected coalition troops.
How about - Acinetobacter baumannii - an opportunistic pathogen?
Since Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 more than 700 US soldiers infected or colonised with A baumannii. Significant number of additional cases found in Canadian and BRITISH armed forces, and among wounded Iraq civilians.
Armed Force Institute of Pathology recorded seven deaths caused by bacteria in US hospitals. four were civilians who picked up the bug at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC. another was a 63-year old woman chronically ill who shared ward at Landstuhl with infected coalition troops.
Posted by: Anne on 12:46pm Mon 14 Jul 08
[quote]We have all been reading about the problems at the Vale of Leven Hospital, but it's not just the Vale that is affected by this problem.[/quote] PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS????????????
???????
You must be joking!
We have all been reading about the problems at the Vale of Leven Hospital, but it's not just the Vale that is affected by this problem.
PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS????????????
???????
You must be joking!
Posted by: jay naylor, Glasgow on 2:06pm Mon 14 Jul 08
Nursey, Alexandria.
It is far too late to play the overworked 'angel' card. No-one believes that nonsense. There have been too many uneccessary deaths caused by lazy, indifferent staff. Staff who have been happy to soak up the extra billions in investment in their wage packets, while presiding over filthy wards.
[quote]don,t play into the hands of profiteers who will willingly step in to destroy the services we have and own to line stock holders pockets.[/quote]
As the death rate rises it seems NHS employees are doing a reasonable job of chasing frightened patients into private practice with no other help required.
Nursey, Alexandria.
It is far too late to play the overworked 'angel' card. No-one believes that nonsense. There have been too many uneccessary deaths caused by lazy, indifferent staff. Staff who have been happy to soak up the extra billions in investment in their wage packets, while presiding over filthy wards.
don,t play into the hands of profiteers who will willingly step in to destroy the services we have and own to line stock holders pockets.
As the death rate rises it seems NHS employees are doing a reasonable job of chasing frightened patients into private practice with no other help required.
Posted by: nursey, alexandria on 5:50pm Mon 14 Jul 08
Jay Glasgow I wasn't playing any cards. I obviously have plenty of time to do that at work .My only intention was to point out that the ability to screen patients prior to admission, to choose the conditions and procedures you are willing to provide puts private practise at an advantage .To also be able to send patients to NHS facilities when they do not recover as expected is also a bonus. Please tell me about the filthy wards you have visited because i would never choose to play cards in unsanitary conditions.I will still be there when non-profitable patients come running back .
Jay Glasgow I wasn't playing any cards. I obviously have plenty of time to do that at work .My only intention was to point out that the ability to screen patients prior to admission, to choose the conditions and procedures you are willing to provide puts private practise at an advantage .To also be able to send patients to NHS facilities when they do not recover as expected is also a bonus. Please tell me about the filthy wards you have visited because i would never choose to play cards in unsanitary conditions.I will still be there when non-profitable patients come running back .
Posted by: SALTIRE, GLASGOW on 8:57pm Mon 14 Jul 08
Nursey,
I am not advocating the abolishment of the NHS or even that it be diluted in any way shape or form. I'd like to see massive improvements made to the standards within the 60 year old National Health Service to be honest. The problem as ever is massive and will take years to get right if the powers that be ever do. Too many managers on cushy salaries, too much red tape and not enough staff on the ward who truly care. I totally advocate bringing back Matron and all that entails, stricter practices on visiting/hygiene and more emphasis on patient care. Including making it a sackable offence for staff to leave the premises in uniform. Having seen how two hospitals in the health board had such differing standards in barrier nursing for C.Diff it's long overdue to have a true and dedicated task force involved in the fight against this. I find it interesting however you chose to highlight only that part of my post which mentioned private care and was more curiosity than anything on my part. The fact remains we are not getting a true reading on C.Diff related deaths. My faith in the 'Angels' on our hospital wards has long gone, and actually some of them would have time to play cards at work as they consider it beneath them to actual get involved in hands on care for the patients. Thank you for your response, I have said all I am going to on this because it's still a very raw situation for me and it was my anger that made me post a comment this morning.
Nursey,
I am not advocating the abolishment of the NHS or even that it be diluted in any way shape or form. I'd like to see massive improvements made to the standards within the 60 year old National Health Service to be honest. The problem as ever is massive and will take years to get right if the powers that be ever do. Too many managers on cushy salaries, too much red tape and not enough staff on the ward who truly care. I totally advocate bringing back Matron and all that entails, stricter practices on visiting/hygiene and more emphasis on patient care. Including making it a sackable offence for staff to leave the premises in uniform. Having seen how two hospitals in the health board had such differing standards in barrier nursing for C.Diff it's long overdue to have a true and dedicated task force involved in the fight against this. I find it interesting however you chose to highlight only that part of my post which mentioned private care and was more curiosity than anything on my part. The fact remains we are not getting a true reading on C.Diff related deaths. My faith in the 'Angels' on our hospital wards has long gone, and actually some of them would have time to play cards at work as they consider it beneath them to actual get involved in hands on care for the patients. Thank you for your response, I have said all I am going to on this because it's still a very raw situation for me and it was my anger that made me post a comment this morning.
Posted by: soccer doc, Dumbarton on 10:14pm Mon 14 Jul 08
If one looks at the report - and some detail was given in the Sunday Mail yesterday - then it suggests to me that we perhaps ought to look elsewhere for the reasons for the outbreak of c.diff. The reasons being suggested here are often concerned with the competence and dedication of staff being found wanting. Yet if one looks at some of what was reported on - though not commented on - yesterday, many of the causes were beyond the reach of nursing and medical staff. Things like broken tiles, leaking showers, broken toilets etc all suggested to me a lack of maintenance expenditure by the Health Board who, of course are anxious to shut VoL (and would have done without the protests of the local community). Of course there were other aspects of the report that did reflect badly on the staff, but lets be clear that it wasnt just down to them.
If one looks at the report - and some detail was given in the Sunday Mail yesterday - then it suggests to me that we perhaps ought to look elsewhere for the reasons for the outbreak of c.diff. The reasons being suggested here are often concerned with the competence and dedication of staff being found wanting. Yet if one looks at some of what was reported on - though not commented on - yesterday, many of the causes were beyond the reach of nursing and medical staff. Things like broken tiles, leaking showers, broken toilets etc all suggested to me a lack of maintenance expenditure by the Health Board who, of course are anxious to shut VoL (and would have done without the protests of the local community). Of course there were other aspects of the report that did reflect badly on the staff, but lets be clear that it wasnt just down to them.
Posted by: sherry, East Lothian on 11:20pm Wed 16 Jul 08
I would like to know if anyone reading this has had any family who
have contracted C/Diff at any other hospitals in Scotland. My mother
was admitted to hospital with a sore leg.Her' good' leg was injured by the nursing staff,she then got an infection in the 'good' leg. She then had to have a catheter inserted because she was now confined to bed. She then contracted c/diff,but the hospital 'forgot' to advise the family. Visitors were NOT told to wash there hands, the staff went between patients WITHOUT washing there hands.When visitors asked if they should wear gloves/aprons we were told 'If you want'.The family were then told that my mum was clear of the c/diff,and she was transferred to another hospital for rehabilitation. She was put into a ward with 10 elderly patients. Within 6 days of being admitted she became seriously ill,with a bowel infection,which showed positive for c/diff,and her family were told that she had septicaemia and that her body was shutting down. Her family advised the hospital that she had had c/diff prior to being admitted,but the hospital had no knowledge of this. When they checked this out they were advised that a test had been done prior to her being transferred and that the result had come back as POSITIVE for c.diff.The first hospital had NOT passed the results onto the new hospital therefore my mum did not get the treatment she required. She died on 23rd May and the cause of death is shown as Clostridium Difficile, Septicaemia. The lives of all the patients in the ward were put at risk due to incompetence.My mother died prematurely due to negligence of the staff in our NHS hospitals.As my mother was confined to bed the only way she could have contracted the infection was through the nursing staff.
I would like to know if anyone reading this has had any family who
have contracted C/Diff at any other hospitals in Scotland. My mother
was admitted to hospital with a sore leg.Her' good' leg was injured by the nursing staff,she then got an infection in the 'good' leg. She then had to have a catheter inserted because she was now confined to bed. She then contracted c/diff,but the hospital 'forgot' to advise the family. Visitors were NOT told to wash there hands, the staff went between patients WITHOUT washing there hands.When visitors asked if they should wear gloves/aprons we were told 'If you want'.The family were then told that my mum was clear of the c/diff,and she was transferred to another hospital for rehabilitation. She was put into a ward with 10 elderly patients. Within 6 days of being admitted she became seriously ill,with a bowel infection,which showed positive for c/diff,and her family were told that she had septicaemia and that her body was shutting down. Her family advised the hospital that she had had c/diff prior to being admitted,but the hospital had no knowledge of this. When they checked this out they were advised that a test had been done prior to her being transferred and that the result had come back as POSITIVE for c.diff.The first hospital had NOT passed the results onto the new hospital therefore my mum did not get the treatment she required. She died on 23rd May and the cause of death is shown as Clostridium Difficile, Septicaemia. The lives of all the patients in the ward were put at risk due to incompetence.My mother died prematurely due to negligence of the staff in our NHS hospitals.As my mother was confined to bed the only way she could have contracted the infection was through the nursing staff.
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