S3W-40451: Vale of Leven Hospital

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

Answered by Nicola Sturgeon (22/03/2011): On 10 December 2010, Lord MacLean, Chairman of the Vale of Leven Hospital Inquiry wrote to me seeking an extension to the duration of the Inquiry which was due to report by 31 May 2011.

Lord MacLean has indicated that the evidence obtained by the Inquiry to date has led to the need for more detailed investigations to be carried out. These investigations include the commissioning of experts to produce a large number of high quality and credible reports. I have agreed with Lord MacLean, therefore, that the date for submitting the Inquiry report be extended to September 2012 although he is hopeful that it may be submitted earlier, possibly by June 2012.

Having carefully considered Lord MacLean''s request, I have agreed to this extension.