Published: Tuesday, 22nd July, 2008 10:10
Chief hits out after backlash on Vale staff
By Mike Farrell
Print Article
The Vale of Leven Hospital
Pic by: Des Kodur
STAFF at the Vale of Leven Hospital are being publicly victimised in the wake of the C-diff superbug outbreak.
A senior member of hospital management has received reports of workers being “accosted” in the street as they go about their everyday lives.
The details were revealed in an open letter to the Reporter this week by Robert Calderwood, chief operating officer at the Vale.
The letter follows a crunch meeting between senior management and staff at the underfire facility last week.
Sources told the Reporter that the situation for beleaguered staff got particularly nasty after last week’s national press coverage alleging “malpractice” at the Vale.
The coverage followed a damning report criticising conditions at the hospital.
Staff now feel they are the punch bag taking the blows meant for the health board.
Indeed, some hospital campaigners involved in the fight to save the Vale, feel that the Robert Calderwood’s defence of his staff is “too late”.
According to a hospital chaplain who is in close contact with the workers, morale among Vale staff is extremely low following the C-diff outbreak. Reverend Ian Miller told the Reporter that news of the abuse has only increased this.
He said: “Right now, the staff feel out on a limb and are taking the whip in a situation where there should be more systematic blame.
“While they really feel for the relatives of the families affected, they are also very threatened at this time.”
Jim Moohan, of Hospitalwatch, believes that the letter from Mr Calderwood is a token gesture.
Mr Moohan told the Reporter: “There is a real cheek to what Mr Calderwood is saying, and when he has said it.
“The employees required far more protection far earlier on with the C-diff outbreak — it’s far too late in this case, the damage has been done.”
A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) said it had nothing further to add to Mr Calderwood’s letter.
If you are Vale of Leven staff member and wish to talk anonymously about how you have been affected by the C-diff outbreak please call the editorial team at the Reporter on 01389 763335.
For the full story and to read Mr Calderwood's letter in full see this week's Reporter
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