What are the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference?
The Terms of Reference provide the parameters for the Inquiry to work within. They are not detailed but confirm in broad terms the areas which the Inquiry will investigate and report on. The Terms of Reference are: • To investigate the circumstances contributing to the occurrence and rates of C. difficile infection at the Vale of Leven Hospital from 1 January 2007 onwards, and any increases in such rates during that period and in particular between 1 December 2007 and 1 June 2008, with particular reference to the circumstances which gave rise to deaths associated with that infection. • To investigate the management and clinical response at the Vale of Leven Hospital to the C. difficile rates during that period and to any such increases, and the steps taken to prevent or reduce the risk of spread or recurrence of the infection. • To investigate the systems in place at the Vale of Leven Hospital to identify and notify cases, increased rates of infection outbreaks and deaths associated wi
