By Lynne Stewart

HEALTH BOSSES at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee have been accused of an MRSA “cover-up” after the family of an elderly woman was unaware that she had contracted the potentially deadly bug, which contributed to her death, until they read it on her death certificate.

Molly Davidson (84), of Newbigging, in Angus, died in ward 12 at Ninewells in April this year after being admitted three months earlier with bowel obstruction.

She had contracted MRSA two weeks prior to death, but doctors failed to inform her family, who were left to find out the shocking news from the undertaker.

The first they knew that she had the bug was when the undertaker informed them of the cause of death listed on the death certificate.

Mrs Davidson’s daughter Jane Head contacted The Courier after reading the case of Sheila Bryson, of Pitlochry, who plans to sue NHS Tayside for medical negligence after her husband Charles (68) died last month after receiving treatment in Ninewells.

Mrs Head found the similarities astounding as MRSA was recorded on Mr Bryson’s death certificate as one of the causes of death and his family, too, were not notified until 15 weeks after the hospital knew he had contracted the infection.

Mrs Head said, “We were not informed at any time that she had MRSA. The first I knew of it was from the undertaker.

“I cannot believe that Ninewells did not tell us and exposed us all to a potentially-lethal bug, including my son, who has serious heart problems.

“I think Ninewells Hospital cover up as much as they can about MRSA.

“I read with great interest the story regarding the widow who is to sue over MRSA at Ninewells. Almost the identical happened to us. My mother died of MRSA contracted in Ninewells and just like the lady from Pitlochry we were never told.

“Just like the other case, my mother had had MRSA for two weeks before she died. Even when her prognosis was discussed (with doctors) just a day prior to her death, it was never mentioned.

“The night before she died I asked why the antibiotics had been taken away and the doctor said they were having no effect, but he did not say on account of MRSA.

“Apparently antibiotics have little effect on MRSA, so the undertaker told me.”

Mrs Head’s husband John added, “Molly’s body deteriorated very quickly, which is a result of MRSA.

“Not telling us for a couple of days is explainable, but failing to mention it in two weeks is inexcusable.”

Mr Head added, “She worked a hard life and, although she was 84, she lived an active life and went to the bingo three times a week, and would often be taking a bus into Broughty Ferry.”

Mrs Head continued, “It was her dying wish to purchase her council house of 30 years, but she died just prior to the conclusion of it. Had she not contracted MRSA she may well have lived long enough to see it through.”

Mrs Head is also angry that her son Glen, who has had life-saving, open-heart surgery and who went to visit his grandmother after school every day, may have been subjected to the infection.

She continued, “Because of Glen’s heart problem he is much more susceptible to infection, but he was exposed to MRSA without knowing. The big question is why?”

A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said, “If Mrs Davidson’s family have any concerns relating to the death of their mother they can still contact our complaints and advice team on 0800 027 5507.”