The Ontario government has called for a provincial supervisor to oversee the Niagara Health System in hopes the position will help restore public trust in the health system after a Clostridium difficile outbreak caused a storm of controversy.

Health Minister Deb Matthews has called for a provincial supervisor to oversee the system’s six hospital sites and one ambulatory care centre.  

Matthews said she can’t ignore the fact that many people have lost trust in the health system’s administration.

She said while it is not uncommon for residents to complain about local health care, the problems in the region require outside help.

A recent C. difficile outbreak in Niagara hospitals claimed at least 31 lives since the end of May.

C. difficile causes a severe form of diarrhea, and the eldery and those with other illnesses or those taking antibiotics are at a greater risk of infection.

With files from The Canadian Press