Son accuses hospital of clinical negligence after mother dies

A son whose mother died from superbug Clostridium difficile (C difficile) while in hospital has begun legal proceedings over alleged clinical negligence.

Margaret Gaughan was admitted to the Vale of Leven Hospital in January of this year suffering from breathing difficulties.

Her son, Brian, was told her condition seemed to be improving and she would be returning home, the Clydebank Post reports.

However, the 87-year-old contracted pneumonia and then C difficile while in the hospital and died five weeks later.

Her death certificate reportedly lists the superbug as a contributory factor to her death.

Mr Gaughan said: "It was such a devastating announcement for me to be told she wasn't coming home when I was earlier told she was."

Recently, the Press Association reported figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act which suggested that the National Health Service has paid out nearly £7.5 million in compensation as a result of hospital infections.

14/07/2008 16:41