National CDI death monitoring
Scottish Government should identify a national agency to undertake routine national monitoring of deaths related to CDI.
- The Scottish Government's response noted the call for better national monitoring of HAI-related mortality. National and local CDI surveillance data is collected by ARHAI Scotland (formerly Health Protection Scotland), and CDI rates are reported through national surveillance systems.
- However, the specific recommendation for a national agency to undertake routine monitoring of deaths specifically related to CDI has not been clearly implemented as a distinct, named function. CDI-related mortality data is captured within broader surveillance and mortality statistics, but whether a dedicated monitoring programme exists specifically for CDI deaths is not clearly evidenced from published sources.
- The HCAI Strategy 2023-2025 addresses HAI surveillance broadly but does not specifically reference a dedicated CDI mortality monitoring programme (Scottish HCAI Strategy 2023-2025 (https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-healthcare-associated-infection-hcai-strategy-2023-2025/)).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSection 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.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
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.
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.