MSP tells of family’s pain at Ninewells C.diff death

Labour health spokeswoman holds back tears as she reads extract from letter

By Cameron Brooks

Published:

An emotional MSP nearly broke down in tears yesterday as she described the “heartbreaking” experience of the family of a patient who died in a hospital superbug outbreak in Dundee.

Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie had to pause to compose herself as she read out extracts from a letter written by the relative of an elderly woman who was struck down by Clostridium difficile at Ninewells Hospital.

The 027 strain of the virus was directly responsible for two deaths in ward 31 and a contributing factor in three others between October 19 and November 6.

The letter, a copy of which was sent to Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon, highlighted issues about poor hygiene practices at the hospital.

The relative, who is not being named, said they learned of the outbreak through the media and while it came as no surprise it was very distressing.

NHS Tayside strongly rejected allegations that patient care at Ninewells Hospital was comprised.

Speaking during a debate on C.diff at Holyrood yesterday, Ms Baillie accused Ms Sturgeon of misleading parliament last week by stating that patients and relatives were kept “fully informed” about the infection.

The victim’s family branded the minister’s claim “utterly rubbish”, adding that at no point were they aware or had been told that it was the virulent 027 strain of the superbug.

Ms Baillie told MSPs the family were “extremely upset by the lack of continuity between staff with their hygiene”.

She said: “They said, as an example, that a bin in the hospital had an ‘absolutely disgusting smell’ and that when they asked for it to be emptied they were told to ‘use the air freshener’.

“The letter also said staff would come into the room wearing no apron or gloves, that an oxygen mask, blanket and pillow were found lying on the floor, and that on one occasion when visiting they found faeces on the floor, sink and on their mother’s night-dress and slippers.

“This family’s experience is just heartbreaking.”

Ms Baillie said the “most basic lessons” from a previous C.diff outbreak that killed 18 people at the Vale of Leven Hospital in West Dunbartonshire last year had not been learned at Ninewells Hospital.

Ms Sturgeon said as soon as she received the letter she immediately told health officials to conduct an urgent investigation with NHS Tayside into the issues raised.

“I also replied to the relative at once, expressing my condolences and offering to meet her,” she said.

“The relative asked me to respect her confidentiality and I am continuing to respect that wish.

“I will keep her fully updated.”

A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said it was “very misleading” to suggest there was a lack of communication with the family in question.

“The consultant and nursing staff on the ward kept this family regularly informed through documented discussions with the designated next of kin.

“The allegations made by another member of this family have been fully investigated and there is no evidence that standards of patient care were in any way compromised.

“Indeed staff on the ward have received a note of gratitude for their treatment and care of this patient from the family.”

Ms Sturgeon said health officials and ministers always sought to look at ways to “learn lessons” from outbreaks.

“Since this government took office, rates of C.difficile have come down by more than 40%,” she added.