HOSPITAL inspectors will have the power to close wards over safety concerns as a "last resort" from April if the Scottish Parliament decides to approve the proposal.

The Scottish Government is aiming to change to the law in response to recommendations following the inquiry into tens of deaths at the Vale of Leven hospital due to a C.Diff outbreak.

The recommendation was made by Lord MacLean, whose inquiry found that C. diff was a factor in the deaths of 34 out of 143 patients who had tested positive for the infection at the West Dunbartonshire hospital in 2007 and 2008.

Last year the Scottish Government received criticism for failing to act despite the inquiry's findings. But now regulations have been laid before the Scottish Parliament that would allow Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) inspectors to close wards as a last resort to protect patients.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: "We already have a very robust scrutiny and inspection regime - with nearly 100 inspections carried out each year by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

"However, protecting patient safety is of critical importance and that is why we want to go further and give HIS the powers to close hospital wards if they consider it necessary."

Robison stressed that the measure would only ever be used as a last resort, with HIS working with health boards to ensure preventative improvements were in place on wards.

But she added: "On the very rare occasions that inspectors have concerns about the safety of patients on a ward, they should have the powers to take firm and direct action. This will not just be for reasons of cleanliness, but also for other safety reasons such as staffing levels.

"The proposed changes to the legislation will strengthen the scrutiny in our hospitals and give patients the confidence and trust in the fact that their care will continue to be among the safest in the world."