Scotland’s hospital watchdog will have the power to close wards to new admissions to protect patient safety under new legislation proposed in the wake of the Vale of Leven C.Diff scandal.

The move was revealed by Scottish Health Secretary in Shona Robison today in the Scottish Government’s repsponse to the Vale of Leven inquiry report.

The inquiry report found that 143 patients tested positive for the superbug at Vale of Leven Hospital between January 2007 to 31 December 2008.

The disease was found to be a factor in the death of 34 of those patients.

Lord Maclean, who chaired the inquiry, said when he published the inquiry report last year after several delays: “The inquiry has discovered serious personal and systemic failures.

“Patients at the Vale of Leven Hospital were badly let down by people at different levels of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde who were supposed to care for them. There were failures by individuals but the overall responsibility has to rest with the Health Board.

“The Scottish Ministers bear ultimate responsibility for NHS Scotland and, even at the level of the Scottish Government, systems were simply not adequate to tackle effectively a healthcare associated infection like CDI.

“The major lesson to be learned is that what happened at Vale of Leven Hospital to cause such personal suffering should never be allowed to happen again.” He made 75 recommendations and today the Scottish Government said it would take on board all of these and in some instances go further.

Ms Robison said: “I want to take the opportunity once again to say how sorry I am to all those who were affected and continue to be affected by this tragedy.

“We previously accepted all 75 recommendations from Lord MacLean’s report and will continue to ensure that the Scottish Government works with NHS Scotland, patients and families to implement them fully.

“Although NHS Scotland has made significant improvements since the Vale of Leven Hospital outbreak in 2007, particularly around infection prevention and control measures, more can be done to achieve our aim of having a world class health service.

“This is why we are going beyond some of the recommendations by working with NHS health boards and staff to assure the public that our hospitals are safe.

“While Lord MacLean’s report focused on one hospital there are clear messages for everyone up and down the country who are working in and with the healthcare system.

“It is crucial that health boards continue to put systems in place to prevent mistakes happening, and when they do happen, to learn quickly from them.

“I would like to thank and commend the patients and families for their strong campaign to get the inquiry in the first place and for the frank and honest evidence they provided at the inquiry evidence sessions.” Ms Robinson met campaigners before the publication of the report.

Scottish Government has established an implementation group and a reference group to oversee the work and put plans in place that will provide a clear focus for taking the recommendations forward.

The legislation that will give watchdog Healthcare Improvement Scotland the power to close wards to new admissions will be introduced later this year.