Minister may hold C. diff inquiry

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Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has said he is prepared to hold a public inquiry into the current Clostridium difficile outbreak.

He said he was "minded" to carry out an inquiry, but only after an independent review into the Northern Trust outbreak is complete.

The hospital infection was recorded on the death certificates of 77 people last year - 34 in the Northern's area.

The make-up of the independent review team is to be announced on Tuesday.

The minister said he would also announce a series of immediate measures to try and 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," he said.

"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.

"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."

He said the review would have the "necessary power and expertise it needs to thoroughly investigate" the Northern Trust outbreak.

Mr McGimspey said it would examine what actions other health trusts are taking to try and prevent possible further outbreaks and if their current infection control processes "are robust enough".

It will report its findings back to Mr McGimpsey within 12 weeks and he will then decide whether a public inquiry should take place.

Earlier this month, the Department of Health said £9m would be made available to tackle hospital bugs.

The C. difficile bacterium causes diarrhoea and can even lead to a rupturing of the bowel. It tends to affect the over 65s.