DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY

16 February 2008

PUBLIC CONFIDENCE MUST BE RESTORED - MCGIMPSEY

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, said he is minded to carry out a public inquiry into the current Clostridium Difficile outbreak but only after the work of the Independent Review is complete.

The Minister said he will be announcing the composition of the Independent Review team on Tuesday and will also announce a series of immediate measures to significantly improve hygiene and infection control in healthcare facilities.

“I am fully aware of concerns over the current C Difficile outbreak in the Northern Trust and on calls for a public inquiry. My first priority is to ensure this outbreak is contained quickly and that every action is taken across our health service to try and contain any further outbreaks,” he said.

“I have never ruled out a public inquiry. However, a public inquiry at this point would deflect staff from their vital work in trying to reduce and control infections such as C Difficile and MRSA. I cannot allow this to happen.

“Be assured that this Independent Review will have all the necessary power and expertise it needs to thoroughly investigate the current outbreak in the Northern Trust. From next week, it will immediately start to examine what actions other Trusts are taking to try and prevent possible further outbreaks and if their current infection control processes are robust enough. Most importantly, it will report its findings back to me within 12 weeks. This will allow me to ensure immediate action can be taken and lessons learned as quickly as possible. I will also then decide whether a public inquiry should take place.

“Let me be very clear, I am treating this matter with the urgency it rightly requires. I have considered this matter very carefully and have taken advice from my Chief Medical Officer and others, on how to deal with this incident in the most effective way. It is absolutely critical that the actions I take are appropriate, responsible and immediate.

“Public confidence in our health service must be restored. We cannot have a situation where people are anxious about coming into hospitals for operations or other vital treatments which they need. I have already invested heavily in infection control measures and will shortly announce further measures which, I am confident, will ensure patients and staff notice and experience a real difference when they go into our hospitals.”