News: Performance Management
'Lacks in communication and leadership' identified by health officials
12 August 2008
Health officials have revealed plans to remedy leadership and communication failings at the hospital hit by Scotland's worst-ever outbreak of Clostridium difficile.
In a new report issued by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC), an apology is offered to patients and families affected by the bug at Dunbartonshire's Vale of Leven hospital.
"We have already made some initial changes to the management arrangements in Clyde resulting in the Clyde structure now being fully integrated with the rest of Greater Glasgow," said NHS GGC's chief executive, Tom Divers.
"As a result of today's recommendations we will take forward further actions to reinforce leadership, accountability and empowerment both at the ward and hospital level and ensure clear lines of communication and responsibility to the board's medical and nurse directors," he continued.
Between last December and June, 55 patients contracted Clostridium difficile at the hospital and the infection was recorded as "the underlying or contributory cause of death" in 18 instances.
NHS GGC's report notes that the establishment had been under the threat of closure for ten years and thus was "low priority" regarding staff development and policy implementation.
