A public inquiry into an outbreak of Clostridium difficile at a hospital has not been ruled out, the Scottish Health Secretary has said.

Fifty-five people were affected by C.diff at the Vale of Leven Hospital in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, between December last year and June. The infection was the primary cause of death in nine patients and a contributory factor in another nine.

The families of the victims have repeatedly called on Nicola Sturgeon, the Health Secretary, to hold a public inquiry into the outbreak, and yesterday Labour pressed Ms Sturgeon on the issue at the Scottish Parliament.

Margaret Curran, Labour's health spokeswoman, said: “Given the severity of the circumstances and the tragedy involved, this actually does require a public inquiry.”

Ms Sturgeon replied: “I understand the call for a full public inquiry. Such a course of action has not been ruled out and I don't rule it out today.”

She explained, however, that the findings of an independent review were so serious, they had been referred to Scotland‘s top law officer, Elish Angiolini, the Lord Advocate. “It is wrong for me to pre-empt what that investigation might find.”

MSPs last night voted 62-2 in support of the families' calls for a public inquiry. The case has also been referred to the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Office.

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