Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said today that he is "minded" to carry out a full public inquiry into the current Clostridium Difficile outbreak.

However he said any inquiry would only take place after the work of an Independent Review is complete.

The Minister said he will announce the Independent Review team on Tuesday and will also announce a series of immediate measures which aim to significantly improve hygiene and infection control in healthcare facilities.

"I am fully aware of concerns over the current C Difficile outbreak in the Northern Trust and on calls for a public inquiry," he said. "My first priority is to ensure this outbreak is contained quickly and that every action is taken across our health service to try and contain any further outbreaks." he said.

"I have never ruled out a public inquiry. However, a public inquiry at this point would deflect staff from their vital work in trying to reduce and control infections such as

C Difficile and MRSA. I cannot allow this to happen.

"Be assured that this Independent Review will have all the necessary power and expertise it needs to thoroughly investigate the current outbreak in the Northern Trust. From next week, it will immediately start to examine what actions other Trusts are taking to try and prevent possible further outbreaks and if their current infection controls processes are robust enough. Most importantly, it will report its findings back to me within 12 weeks. This will allow me to ensure immediate action can be taken and lessons learned as quickly as possible. I will also then decide whether a public inquiry should take place."

The minister said public confidence in our health service "must be restored".