C.diff outbreak inquiry launched

Two of the patients were being treated at the Vale of Leven hospital

One patient has died and two are being treated in isolation after a possible outbreak of Clostridium difficile.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde launched an inquiry due to fears the infection was passed between two hospitals.

Two patients were on the same ward at the Vale of Leven hospital in March when one died as a result of the 027 strain of the C.diff infection.

The other was then taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital where another patient also contracted the strain.

Tom Walsh, infection control manager for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said a potential link had been established between the three cases, but he was not aware of any more patients contracting the virus since April.

He said: "We have notified colleagues in Health Protection Scotland and continue to adhere to our strict infection control procedures.

"I would like to reassure patients that we are taking all the necessary measures required."

The board said the potential outbreak was not linked to the five cases of the 027 strain reported last week at Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow.

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