Terms of Reference
Terms of Reference for the Public Inquiry into the Outbreak of Clostridium Difficile Infection in Northern Health and Social Care Trust Hospitals, 16 June 2007 – 31 August 2008
The Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety has ordered that a public inquiry be conducted into the outbreak of Clostridium difficile infection that occurred in Northern Health and Social Care hospitals between 16 June 2007 and 31 August 2008.
The purpose of the inquiry is:
The purpose of the inquiry is:
- to establish how many deaths occurred in Northern Health and Social Care Trust hospitals during the outbreak, for which Clostridium difficile was the underlying cause of death, or was a condition contributing to death;
and - to examine and report on the experiences of patients and others who were affected directly by the outbreak, and to make recommendations accordingly.
The inquiry will be conducted under the terms of the Inquiries Act 2005.
The inquiry panel should report to the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, within twelve months of beginning the inquiry, unless otherwise determined by the Minister.
The inquiry panel should report to the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, within twelve months of beginning the inquiry, unless otherwise determined by the Minister.
Footnote
Explanation of the term 'Outbreak' within the Public Inquiry Terms of Reference: -
The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) Independent Review Team concluded in its report dated August 2008 that there was an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness within the five hospitals in the southern part of the Northern Trust, in 2007 and 2008 and that it was caused by C. difficile Ribotype 027.
These hospitals were identified as Antrim Area, Braid Valley, Mid-Ulster, Moyle and Whiteabbey.
