Vale of Leven C Diff group call for Nicola Sturgeon's resignation

Nov 28 2008 by Marc McLean, Lennox Herald (main ed)

RELATIVES of the Vale of Leven Hospital C-Diff victims have demanded the resignation of Scotland’s health secretary over her apparent refusal to hold a public inquiry into the tragedy.

They insist Nicola Sturgeon must go for ignoring pleas from the families, medical experts, and other politicians.

The relatives who form the C-Diff Justice Group are due to meet with the SNP MSP again next week, but are furious she has still not ordered the public inquiry.

Michelle Stewart, whose mother-in-law was one of those who died, said: “The case for a public inquiry into these deaths has become so overwhelming that Nicola Sturgeon’s refusal to hold one totally destroys her credibility.

“It’s time for her to go and make way for someone who has nothing to fear from a public inquiry.”

Dumbarton Labour MSP Jackie Baillie said: “It is clear that the families of those who lost loved ones at the Vale of Leven have lost confidence in Nicola Sturgeon.

“If 18 people had died in a rail crash, or an industrial accident, there is no question that there would be a public inquiry.”

Other MSPs, including Liberal Democrat health spokesman Ross Finnie and Annabel Goldie, the Conservative leader, also accused Nicola Sturgeon of being the only obstacle to a public inquiry following last week’s BBC Scotland documentary.

Ms Sturgeon said: “I have never ruled out a public inquiry into the circumstances around the tragic deaths at the Vale of Leven Hospital. What I have said, and what I hold to, is that as I have asked the law officers to investigate the points raised in the independent review, that the area procurator fiscal and the police are allowed due process to assess if criminal investigations are appropriate in the first instance.

“Those investigations are underway, and I have asked the lord advocate for a further update on the progress of those investigations.

“I will also meet with the families involved next week to update them of progress being made.”