The infection had not been diagnosed prior to her admittance to Ninewells, but Mrs Davidson argued that her recent medical history meant she should have been isolated in a side ward at least initially or had dedicated toilet facilities.

She also raised concerns about handwashing procedures at the hospital and the general state of the toilets and showers.

Following a conversation with Public Health Minister Shona Robison over Mrs Davidson's complaint, deputy chief executive Gerry Marr ordered an infection control team to visit the ward. He also agreed an “alert” would go out to all wards.

Public health minister Shona Robison today said NHS Tayside had kept the Scottish Government “fully informed” of the Ninewells C.diff outbreak, even while the public were kept in the dark.

The Dundee East MSP also passed her “deepest condolences” to the families of those who have perished in what she called “a tragedy”, while restating the Holyrood Government's commitment to tackling hospital infections.

“The death of five people at Ninewells who had been suffering from C.diff is a tragedy and I extend my deepest condolences to the families of all those affected,” she said.

“NHS Tayside have kept the Scottish Government fully informed about the C.diff outbreak in Ninewells.

“They have also established an outbreak control team to thoroughly investigate the outbreak and ensure that all necessary infection control measures are in place.

“We are committed to doing all we can to tackle hospital infections, like C.diff.

“The number of cases is falling and we will continue to work with health boards to drive down the number of cases further still.”

NHS Tayside’s medical director Dr Andrew Russell said “Our main priority throughout this situation was to deal with the outbreak and make sure all appropriate action was taken as quickly as possible.

“It would have been insensitive to discuss this publicly while the outbreak was ongoing and these patients were very unwell. However, staff on the ward have been in contact with those families involved throughout this period.

“I’m confident our surveillance systems detected this outbreak early which meant we knew we were dealing with the 027 strain from the outset.

“We were then able to reinforce infection control measures to deal with this particularly nasty strain of the infection.”

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon revealed an inspection of the hospital — and in particular the affected ward 31 — is scheduled for tomorrow.

“NHS Tayside have established an outbreak control team to both thoroughly investigate the cause of the outbreak and to ensure all necessary infection control measures are in place,” she said.

“Health Protection Scotland remain on hand to provide their expert advice to ensure that best practice is adhered to, and tomorrow’s planned inspection by the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate will focus specifically on the affected ward.”

Regular updates

Ms Sturgeon said she had also received regular updates on the outbreak.

“I am fully aware of the outbreak and am receiving regular updates,” she said.

“Very sadly five patients on the affected ward have died and C.diff has been included on the death certificates.

“My thoughts are, first and foremost, with the families of all those affected and I would like to reassure them everything possible is being done — both to bring the current outbreak to a close and to ensure that lessons are learned.