Unannounced hospital inspections for ‘bugwatch’ survey

Posted: September 24, 2013

Posted in: Medical Negligence 

After last month saw an outbreak of Clostridium difficile (C. diff) at Glan Glwyd hospital, the importance of infection control has been brought to the attention of the Health Board and action is being taken. Since the disastrous outbreak, the Health Board has launched a new “bugwatch” survey, which will take shape through unannounced inspections across major hospitals in Wales, ensuring that staff are following infection control guidelines meticulously.

Between January and May this year, 96 cases of the C. diff infection were recorded at the Glan Glywd hospital, and at least seven of the patients who died during that time were found to have the infection.  The outbreak occurred after C. diff infection rates were at an all-time high within the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), with rates higher than any other area of Wales.  BCUHB controls health and hospital services across the six counties in North Wales, its budget stands at around £1.2bn.

‘Significant management failings’

Earlier this year, the health and audit watchdogs put the health board’s infection control failure down to “significant management failings”.  Their investigation led to three of the organisation’s most senior members stepping down: the chairman, the chief executive and vice-chairman.

The board has since confirmed that more is being done to improve infection control: so far the board has recruited more nurses and is continually seeking expert advice.  The Community Health Board has said that they are going to be “getting serious” with regards to tackling the issue of healthcare-acquired infections and that “bugwatch” is only the beginning.

If you have been affected by medical negligence, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us. 

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