C.Diff Outbreak Report Released

The findings of a long-awaited inquiry into the Clostridium difficile outbreak at the Vale of Leven Hospital are due to be revealed.

The inquiry was set up in 2009 to investigate the treatment of 63 patients at the West Dunbartonshire hospital between December 1 2007 and June 1 2008.

Of the 31 patients who died during this period, C.diff was identified as a contributory factor in 28 of the deaths.

Inquiry chairman Lord MacLean will be joined by patients and relatives as he publishes his recommendations at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow.

The report was originally expected to be made public by the end of May 2011 but has been repeatedly delayed due to factors including a period of illness suffered by the chairman.

A fifth delay announced in February pushed back a publication date of March 2014 because the inquiry was still waiting for responses to warning letters issued to those likely to be the subject of criticism.

The inquiry has looked at other outbreaks of C.diff infection in Scotland and beyond in order to make its recommendations.

It does not have any power to determine civil or criminal liability in relation to the outbreak.

Michelle McGinty's mother-in-law, Sarah, was one of the patients who died.

After a seven year wait - she's ready for answers: