Chain of hospital death events

An independent inquiry is to be held at Vale of Leven hospital in Dunbartonshire, where eight patients died from the bug Clostridium difficile.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said she was "deeply concerned" more than 50 cases of C. diff only came to light after a retrospective review by the local health board, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Here is how events unfolded:

• 2 May - Vale of Leven hospital is alerted to two cases of C. diff, identified as the O27 strain.
• 21 May - Infection control team becomes aware there have been six cases of O27 across the Clyde area - three of which are linked to the Vale of Leven - and infection control improvements are put in place. The Scottish Government is informed.
• 22 May - The health board, in a press release, announces it is looking into the three cases, and confirms one of the patients involved died in March.
• 28 May - The infection control team meets to ensure action is being taken.
• 6 June - As investigations into the cases continue, a Dumbarton newspaper tells Ms Sturgeon of its intention to report five deaths from C. diff at Vale of Leven Hospital.
• 10 June - NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde advises the Scottish Government a "look-back" review has identified 54 cases of C. diff infection dating back to December 2007 and that the bug caused eight deaths and was related to a further eight.
• 11 June - The health board issues another press release on the latest situation.
• 13 and 17 June - Ms Sturgeon receives an interim report, followed by a further update.
• 18 June - Scottish Government announces an independent inquiry into the 54 cases.

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