R55 Response Accepted AI-assessed

CDI reporting to CEO and Board

Recommendation

Health Boards should ensure that numbers and rates of CDI are reported through each level of the organisation up to the Chief Executive and the Board.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to Public Health Scotland / NSS (2025-09-01), Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) rates are reported through multiple levels of organisation, from ward to Board level, with quarterly national surveillance reports published. According to the Scottish Government Oversight Board (2021-03-01), however, the QEUH Oversight Board identified significant failings in the reporting of infection data within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in March 2021, indicating ongoing challenges in appropriate escalation despite the national framework. According to the Scottish Government's response, this recommendation was accepted in 2015.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.gov.scot, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation requires implementation across many organisations. The assessment reflects central policy response, not adoption in individual organisations.
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Response
Accepted
Accepted Scottish Government
18 Jun 2015

Section 2.1 of the Scottish Government's response highlights that national surveillance of C. diff infection is conducted, and a specific C. diff infection target is included in Local Delivery Plan Standards, requiring NHS boards to report performance. Furthermore, C. diff guidance published by Scotland's Health Protection Network outlines roles and responsibilities, which would encompass reporting mechanisms. Section 4.2 adds that eHealth systems like TrakCare and online clinical portals facilitate the secure sharing of clinical information, including diagnoses and results, across healthcare staff.

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Published Evidence

Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.

Confirmed Completed
01 Sep 2025
Public Health Scotland / NSS Other

CDI rates reported through multiple levels of organisation from ward to Board level. Quarterly national surveillance reports published by Public Health Scotland. Health boards report CDI data at all governance levels.

View detailed findings

National surveillance system provides data at ward, hospital, board and national levels. Mandatory reporting ensures transparency.

CDI Surveillance reporting, National Services Sco… View Source
limited_progress
01 Mar 2021
Scottish Government Oversight Board Other

QEUH Oversight Board found significant failings in reporting of infection data within NHS GGC despite Vale of Leven recommendation for CDI reporting through all organisational levels. Key water quality and infection data not escalated appropriately.

View detailed findings

The failure to report infection data appropriately at QEUH demonstrates ongoing implementation challenges within NHS GGC for this recommendation.

QEUH/NHS GGC Oversight Board Final Report, March … View Source
Source
Report The Vale of Leven Hospital Inquiry Report 24 Nov 2014
Responsible Bodies
NHS Health Boards (Scotland) Primary
Recommendation age 11.3 yrs
Last formal update 3932 days ago