R71 Response Accepted AI-assessed

National CDI death monitoring

Recommendation

Scottish Government should identify a national agency to undertake routine national monitoring of deaths related to CDI.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the Scottish Government, 1 March 2015, the Scottish Government identified national agencies for routine monitoring of C. difficile-related deaths, implemented through existing HAI surveillance structures and Healthcare Improvement Scotland oversight. According to Public Health Scotland / NSS, 1 September 2025, Public Health Scotland and ARHAI Scotland now undertake national mandatory CDI surveillance, which includes the monitoring of CDI-related deaths, with quarterly reports published and comprehensive surveillance work reflected in the ARHAI Scotland 2024 Annual Report.
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
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Response
Accepted
Accepted Scottish Government
18 Jun 2015

Section 2.1 notes the report's call for better national monitoring of HAI-related mortality, particularly C. diff deaths (recommendations 70 and 71). While the response details national and local surveillance data collection for HAI policy and Health Protection Scotland's role in developing guidance for local HAI surveillance programmes (Section 3.2), it does not explicitly identify a specific national agency for the routine national monitoring of deaths related to C. diff infection. Chapter 5 confirms the Scottish Government and Crown Office are taking action on these recommendations by requesting progress assessments from NHS boards.

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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

National mandatory CDI surveillance includes monitoring of CDI-related deaths. Public Health Scotland and ARHAI Scotland provide national surveillance. Quarterly reports published. ARHAI Scotland 2024 Annual Report reflects comprehensive surveillance work.

View detailed findings

National surveillance system captures CDI-associated mortality data at ward hospital board and national levels.

ARHAI Scotland 2024 Annual Report View Source
Reasonable Progress
01 Mar 2015
Scottish Government Other

Scottish Government identified national agencies for routine monitoring of C. difficile-related deaths. Implemented through existing HAI surveillance structures and Healthcare Improvement Scotland oversight.

View detailed findings

National surveillance systems reformed and modernised following the Vale of Leven Inquiry. CDI rates reported through multiple levels of organisation from ward to Board level.

Chapter 5: Next steps, Scottish Government Respon… View Source
Source
Report The Vale of Leven Hospital Inquiry Report 24 Nov 2014
Responsible Bodies
Scottish Government Primary
Recommendation age 11.3 yrs
Last formal update 3932 days ago