Public inquiry into North superbug outbreak

A public inquiry is to be held into a hospital superbug outbreak linked to more than 60 deaths in hospitals in the North.

Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said confidence in the safety and quality of healthcare had been affected by the Clostridium Difficile (C diff) outbreak.

A review found the worst-affected Northern Health and Social Care Trust had problems adhering to standards like antibiotic policies, infection control and cleaning.

Mr McGimpsey said: “I want to restore public confidence in the safety and quality of healthcare.

“That is why I have decided to hold a public inquiry that will examine these questions. I will advise the Assembly in due course of the terms of reference and the membership of the inquiry team.”