Jackie’s response to the Scottish Government statement on the Vale of Leven Hospital Inquiry report.

Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, said:

“The families have waited 7 years since the first deaths from C.Diff at the Vale, and 5 years for the public inquiry to report. I pay tribute to their determination and dignity in seeking to make sure that this does not happen to another family in Scotland. I also recognise that for many of them, their grieving is only just beginning.

“Whilst far from the minds of those who lost loved ones, it is clear that without adequate compensation that justice will not have been done. The cost of the inquiry is in excess of £10m and the amount set aside for the families, the victims in all of this, is only £1m.

“Shona Robison must do everything in her power to ensure that those who were so badly let down at every level of the NHS  get the compensation they deserve.”

Scottish Labour’s Health spokesperson, Neil Findlay MSP, said:

“The Scottish Government resisted calls for this inquiry for two years, but as Lord McLean has said, the relatives’ call for an investigation has been vindicated by his findings.

“At least 34 people died in a hospital with only 136 beds, and we welcome the announcement by Shona Robison that all 75 recommendations of this report will be implemented.

“It’s crucial that that those recommendations are implemented successfully and quickly. It’s also key that parliament is kept informed of the process at every stage.

“But the lessons of the Vale of Leven go beyond the recommendations of this report. The Health Secretary must now take action to create an independent health regulatory regime with powers to protect patients and close down facilities which are failing patients