New inquiry launched into NHS superbug deaths

An investigation into a recent superbug outbreak across NHS hospitals in Northern Ireland has officially started.

Between June 2007 and August 2008, an infection outbreak was responsible for around 60 deaths at five separate hospitals within the Northern Health Trust area, the Antrim Times reported.

Following on from ongoing public concern about the safety levels in hospitals in the region, medical experts have now called on anyone who may have also been affected by the superbug to come forward and help with their investigation, with Northern Ireland health minister Michael McGimpsey having launched a public inquiry into the matter.

Dame Deirdre Hine, former Chief Medical Officer for Wales, who is heading up the investigation, told the newspaper: "We hope that anyone who was affected by the outbreak will contact us to help us to fulfill the task that the minister has given us."

News of this latest inquiry comes just days after it was announced that three heart surgery patients at the Nottingham City Hospital died after catching an infection while undergoing treatment.

According to the Sun, as many as 100 other patients could have been infected with the staphylococcal bug, which is normally spread by dirty equipment or contaminated staff.

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