C-Diff

[ionnsaigh]

This has undoubtedly opened up old wounds,funny how Mike Farrell from the Dumbarton Reporter never got back . tick tick tick. Hidden political agenda maybe - or perhaps they think that I'm a madman. Either way -I present what I believe - is a tried and successful remedy -to raise awareness and public expectations.Strange how politicians scream democracy from the rooftops, yet when it comes to holding a public enquiry to the appalling crisis in our Health Service - what could be more democratic - they fall silent. At the end of the day superbugs are only part of the problem. Greater Glasgow and Clyde are another. I have rekindled my utter contempt for those who claim socialism - yet act as dirty careerist dogs. What chance have any of us got.
I will bide my time ( plotting away ) at least until the end of this month - when the findings of the independent private enquiry are released. I was the first to be locked up for anti poll tax demonstrations. I intend to be last now.
The Bug Union name thing was partly in jest. However when one considers the principal nature of bugs - multiplying they grow and spread - a wee seed of destruction - planted in what should be a Heath Service - for the people by the people.

[ionnsaigh]

Zero.

[Govangirl]

Fifty-five people have been treated for the infection in the Vale in the past six months, with George being one of the 25 who have subsequently died.

Whit!!!!! Surely you can't be the only one who's making a noise about this, Ionns? Is this a well-known fact? What are the rates in other hospitals? That is shocking!

[ionnsaigh]

Mike,

The reference to forming my own union was partly in jest,and partly out of sheer frustration, at the prospect of professional politicians jumping on the bandwagon. Having experienced their general lacklustre attempts in the past. The Vale of Leven - as the rest of the Health Service - suffered under the Labour administration.
As for Jackie Bailey holding a private meeting for the families - I view this with the contempt it surely deserves, the sheer hypocrisy.
I would be interested to hear what transpired at last night's meeting. I honestly think that Michele is out of her depth. Do you have an E-Mail address?. I would certainly be willing to act in an advisory capacity, to the group.
As long as these political opportunists take a back seat - The number of deaths linked to C-Diff at the Vale is truly staggering. Interestingly enough a Public Enquiry has begun in Maryhill ( Stockline ) were the number of deaths and causalities, where significantly lower than those of the Leven Disaster. Those poor people deserve an inquiry - so do we. Perhaps I may attempt to draft an open letter to Nicola Sturgeon - demanding an enquiry before the Shettleson election -try to shake them up a bit.
As for breaking the law re photographs inside the disaster zone - what is it they say about bad laws.
Mick.

[ionnsaigh]

Heard the breaking news this morning - apparently some of the Families have got together - and intend suing the board.
Absolutely good luck to them, I wish them every success. I would hazard a guess - that this decision was made on last week's private meeting with Jackie Bailley - held in Labour Party property - with some of the victims families. No doubt they will be represented by a group of lawyers - closely associated with the Labour Movement and civil rights issues. The cynic in me suggests that this is Labours - underhand weak response - to the outbreak of C-Diff at the Vale - by far the biggest outbreak - in Scotland to date.
At this point in time I must remain completely focussed on one thing - A Public Inquiry. ( e or i ) Enquiry ? Girl ?.
The only negative I find in suing - is that it serves only the victims - potential victims are left out of the equation.
I wait with interest to reading George's medical records. Not forgetting of course the findings of the private enquiry.
It's our health service - we should be prepared to stand up and fight for it's very existence. Scotland could have one of the best services in the world - our oil is worth a fortune.

[Govangirl]

At this point in time I must remain completely focussed on one thing - A Public Inquiry. ( e or i ) Enquiry ? Girl ?.
The only negative I find in suing - is that it serves only the victims - potential victims are left out of the equation.

Ionns, you are a very honourable man having no interest in compensation but rather going for a public inquiry. I really respect that.

[ionnsaigh]

Sorry to disappoint you girl - honour has little to do with it (if only). Others will take up the fight for compensation - however their is no compensation to be had on replacing - what can't be replaced.
Already it seems that the labour orchestrated group - has limited it's range of concern - only up until May 08. George died in early June. ( not sure when he picked up the bug ) perhaps his medical notes will have the answer.

[ionnsaigh]

I heard a wee snippet of news yesterday - not sure where though - however the man who is leading the private inquiry Professor Cairns Smith was quoted as saying - that he would like to meet some of the families involved. This as I later found to be a - direct response to the setting up of the Tuesday group.
No matter - I phoned the Scottish Government Office today - hoping to obtain a telephone number - of contact with the Review Team. Imagine my surprise when - a woman's broad English accent answered the phone - a bit like phoning the Russian Embassy and an American voice answers. However I briefly gave her a run down - and the name of the guy running the show. Unfortunately we had a communication difficulty - in that she had real problems with the name Cairns. Just as well I'm not racist. Anyway as a result - I have arranged a family meeting with Prof Smith in Dumbarton on the 23rd or 24th of this month. Quite a good day I reckon.

[Govangirl]

Sorry to disappoint you girl - honour has little to do with it (if only)

I think it has. You are not just fighting this fight for George but as you say for every potential victim. This benefits us all.
I certainly know from experience how grief can spur you on to improve conditions for others and I can testify how bitterness is more destructive than death. That's why we need people like you, Ionns and to me, there's honour in that.

[ionnsaigh]

[ionnsaigh]

Mike,

I have arranged a family meeting with Prof Cairns Smith. It will take place in Dumbarton on the 23rd or 24th of this month. Perhaps we could issue some form of statement.Or would that jeopardise the enquiry?.
Mick.

[ionnsaigh]

zzzz

[ionnsaigh]

Mike,

Professor Smith is leading the ( review team) inquiry - set up by Nicola Sturgeon . We have decided as a family - to go to it on our own.
I suspect the Tuesday Group - are waiting for Jackie to make their next move. We as a family are not encumbered by these considerations. The family statement will be hard hitting - directed at Nicola Sturgeon.
It would make public appeal to the SNP - to respond positively to the people of Greater Glasgow and Clyde - by instigating a public inquiry into GGCHB and the appalling health statistics - directly related to poverty in the west of Scotland.
Will you put that in print?
regards
Mick Donoghue.

[ionnsaigh]

Nil

[Bobbie En Tejas]

The only negative I find in suing - is that it serves only the victims - potential victims are left out of the equation.

Actually, some things are not about money. Lawsuits are more than financial compensation. It is a matter of culpability. Potentional victims are not left out of the equation; more, they may not have to go through what your brother and your family did. If there had been a previous lawsuit, there may have been standards applied and possibly a fund already set up for future victims. If you are concerned that only the present victims would be compensated, why not think to set up a fund with anything won in a lawsuit that will help prevent MRSA, help with medical bills for anyone who gets MRSA, and might also help in funding to find a cure. The hospital needs to take responsibility, and if this happens through a lawsuit, so be it.