Rudi Ionta: "Letter came as a shock"

He was one of three men who died following the outbreak.

Mr Ionta's son Rudi, 33, said he was relieved the hospital had accepted responsibility for the death of his father.

"The letter came as a shock to me as I didn't think for a minute they would admit liability," Mr Ionta said.

"We always knew that my dad had contracted salmonella in hospital and not at home.

We can confirm that we have written to the three families involved

Glasgow University Hospitals Trust spokesman

"It's okay saying they are sorry and admitting it is their fault but it is still a man's life that has been lost and we will have to live with that."

Mr Ionta said the letter from Robert Calderwood, chief executive of the trust, accepted the hospital was to blame.

He said the letter stated: "Your father should not have become infected with salmonella and we accept full responsibility.

"We are extremely concerned that patients have developed infections whilst in our care.

"We have been examining all possible contributory factors in order that we can prevent similar incidents."

Hopes for future

Mr Calderwood confirmed the original source of the salmonella was a patient who had it when admitted, he added.

As a result the trust was reviewing all policies relating to infection control.

A trust spokesman said: "We can confirm that we have written to the three families involved.

"An investigation by the outbreak control team is still ongoing. When their investigation is complete the findings will be made public."

Mr Ionta said his family hoped that no one would die in the same way again.

"My mother is finding it difficult coming to terms with being on her own.

"People have said that suing the hospital would be justice but it is not really justice.

"But we hope it will prevent another person dying in the same way."