The third session of oral hearings of the Public Inquiry into the occurrence of Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections at the Vale of Leven Hospital will begin on Monday 16th May.
The Inquiry, chaired by Lord MacLean, will re-convene at Maryhill Community Central Halls to hear evidence from nursing staff at the Vale of Leven Hospital and a range of independent nursing experts.
In January 2011, the Inquiry heard from patients and relatives of those affected by the occurrence of C.diff at the Vale of Leven Hospital in 2007 and 2008.
Julie-Anne Jamieson, Secretary to the Inquiry, said: "The third session of oral hearings will start on 16th May and run until late July, starting with an introductory presentation on C diff. by Ian Poxton, Professor of Microbiology at the University of Edinburgh.
"The Inquiry will then focus on evidence from nursing staff at Vale of Leven Hospital as well as a range of independent nursing experts.
"In August, following a summer break, the Inquiry will hear evidence from medical staff from the Vale of Leven Hospital and a number of independent medical experts. The Inquiry expects to conclude its oral evidence towards the end of 2011.
"The Inquiry will consider all the evidence it has received and heard and will publish its final report with conclusions and recommendations by September 2012."
She added: "Throughout the hearings, the names and order of witnesses will be made available on our website and transcripts of evidence will be uploaded on a daily basis."
The Inquiry is investigating the circumstances contributing to the occurrence and rates of C.diff at the Vale of Leven Hospital from 1st January 2007.
While focusing on incidents at the Vale of Leven Hospital, Lord MacLean will also refer to other cases of C.diff infection within and beyond Scotland in order to help inform recommendations.
The Inquiry, in accordance with the Inquiries Act 2005, is inquisitorial in nature and is not adversarial. It does not have any power to determine civil or criminal liability.
Source:
Vale of Leven Hospital