The Healthcare Commission recently launched an investigation into Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust following concerns about the rates of the C. difficile infection since 2004, and the outbreaks of the infection in the winter of 2005- 2006 and subsequently.
The Commission plans to look at outbreaks of the infection and evaluate the Trust’s systems and procedures for the control of infection, by collecting documentary evidence, conducting observations and interviewing patients, staff and others.
The investigation is also likely to include consideration of the Trust’s arrangements to identify and notify cases and outbreaks of C. difficile, the factors contributing to the rates of infection and the outbreaks, and the Trust’s response to these. It will also look into the arrangements at ward level to keep patients safe and assure the quality of care, particularly with regard to older patients, and investigate the governance arrangements and the priority given to the control of infection.
Arequest for an investigation was made by the local Strategic Health Authority and the Trust.
Nigel Ellis, head of investigations at the Healthcare Commission said: “Our investigation will examine how the Trust identified and dealt with cases of C. difficile.We recognise that outbreaks of infection such as C. difficile are not always easy to control, but when they do happen they pose a very serious risk to patient safety. We need to find out what happened, what systems the Trust has in place to ensure this does not happen again and whether further improvements are needed to protect the safety of patients.”
Local organisations, current and former Trust staff and other relevant bodies are asked to come forward and give their views to the Commission. Alternatively, they can talk to a member of the investigation team in a confidential one-to-one meeting.
For more information call 0845 601 3012 (calls charged at local rate), or email feedback@healthcarecommission.org.uk stating the name of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.
The Healthcare Commission will be publishing its findings in a report, along with any recommendations for improvement.
