C. Difficile Inquiry moves to the third stage of its work

The C. DIFFICILE Inquiry into the deaths which occurred in Northern Health and Social Care Trust hospitals during an outbreak of C.diff infection is now into its third stage which is the taking of formal written statements from witnesses.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th May 2010, 16:56 BST
Updated 24th May 2010, 15:28 BST

The fourth stage will be when Oral hearings begin in October when the public will have access to these formal proceedings.

The Chairman of the C.diff Inquiry Panel, Dame Deirdre Hine has advised Health Minister Michael McGimpsey of the need to extend the inquiry timeframe for the completion of its work. The requirement for additional time is to take account of the volume of witness statements and the need to ensure that lawyers representing the families and other interested persons have sufficient time to prepare for the Inquiry.

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The Inquiry expects that the taking of witness statements will be completed by the end of July with the first of the oral hearings scheduled to begin in October. It is anticipated that the Inquiry Report will be submitted to the DHSSPS Minister by the end of the year.

To date almost 200 people have contributed to the Inquiry’s work including bereaved families, former patients and their relatives as well as Trust staff.

The C. diff Inquiry Panel will continue to provide updates at significant stages of its work, through communications with participants, its web site and press information.

The Inquiry can be contacted by calling Kate McClements on 028 90 517124 Or email: [email protected]

Related topics:Northern Health and Social Care Trust