Published: Tuesday, 2nd February, 2010 3:00pm

C-diff public inquiry - It now feels real

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THE first public Inquiry hearing into the tragic C-diff outbreak at the Vale of Leven Hospital took place yesterday (Monday) in a packed Dumbarton Sheriff Court.

Families who lost loved ones in the outbreak crammed into the court room alongside a flock of journalists and legal representatives.

Opening statements were made by lawyers representing the victims' families, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board and Scottish ministers to confirm their participation in the Inquiry, as members of the public listened intently.

Afterwards residents affected by the outbreak - which cost the lives of 18 people - were able to submit their names to the Inquiry in private.

Michelle Stewart, of the C-diff Justice Group, addressed the media scrum outside the court saying: "The families are happy and relieved that finally we are seeing some action - it now feels real.

"The main thing, which is always going through our mind is why? That is a question we can't put to rest.

"We are hoping through this we will get the answers."

A Dumbarton woman, whose relative was a C-diff patient, spoke to the Reporter at the hearing before joining a private session with lawyers and other family relatives affected.

The woman, who asked not to be named, said: "I'm looking for the same as everyone else here - I want to know what happened and hopefully it can stop it happening to anyone else."

Angela Graham, Head Counsel for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) expressed "deepest sympathies to the families and those affected by the events in 2008" on behalf of GGC.

Inquiry chairman, Lord Maclean and his team will hear the oral statements from core participants in the Inquiry in Glasgow during the Summer.

The oral hearings will begin in June and will take place over a number of weeks.

A report on the Inquiry's findings will be sent to Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Health secretary in May 2011.