Lord MacLean, chairman of the Inquiry, has written to Alex Neil MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, advising him of the publication date and Mr Neil has advised Parliament.

The Inquiry is investigating the treatment of 63 patients at Vale of Leven Hospital during the period 1st December 2007 to 1st June 2008, of whom 31 patients died Of these deaths, Clostridium difficile infection has been identified as cause of death or a contributory factor in 28 cases.

While focusing on incidents at the Vale of Leven Hospital, Lord MacLean’s report will also refer to other outbreaks of Clostridium difficile (C-diff) infection within and beyond Scotland in order to help inform recommendations.

The Inquiry, in accordance with the Inquiries Act 2005, is inquisitorial in nature and is not adversarial. It does not have any power to determine civil or criminal liability.

Information regarding the Inquiry is available on the Inquiry website at www.valeoflevenhospitalinquiry.org.