Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust may be prosecuted
for the deaths
The Health
Commission today filed its report into the superbug (Cdifficile) outbreak at
a Kent hospital which led to the alleged deaths of 90 patients. The
police have
launched an investigation into whether the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS
Trust should be prosecuted.
The Commission said a "litany" of errors in infection control had caused the
"avoidable tragedy". The trust said it had not been prepared for "an
outbreak of that size and complexity" but had learned lessons. The
commission's report said nurses at the trust were too rushed to wash hands
and left patients to lie in their own excrement.
In may instances the deaths could have been avoided with even basic hygiene
measure being in place. There were allegations of
clinical negligence
by certain health care workers.
The Health
Minister Alan Johnson was appalled at the findings but denied that the
pressure being placed on staff due to cuts, was a contributory factor
The Commission commented:
"I would
think the lessons, not just about cleanliness, hygiene and infection
control, but the care provided to patients who contract C.difficile is
something that has wider lessons for the NHS.
The news will undoubtedly lead to compensation claims being sought by the
innocent victims and their families. For more advise
on NHS
medical negligence compensation - contact us today for advice and
assistance on 0800 0322210.
The former chief
executive of the Trust suffered the ignominy of having his pay off suspended
following the publication of the report today.
