S3W-30867: Vale of Leven Hospital

To ask the Scottish Executive whether there are any plans to extend the duration of the public inquiry into the Clostridium difficile outbreak at the Vale of Leven hospital.

Answered by Nicola Sturgeon (20/01/2010): On 10 December 2009, the Chairman of the Vale of Leven Hospital Inquiry wrote to me seeking an extension to the duration of the Inquiry which was originally due to report by 1 October 2010.

Lord MacLean has indicated that, in order to investigate thoroughly and properly all the evidence and, most importantly, the lessons to be learnt from the Vale of Leven Hospital and experience elsewhere, he would propose submitting a report in May 2011.

Having carefully considered Lord MacLean''s request, I have agreed to an extension. The Inquiry will therefore report by 31 May 2011.