Also in November:

• Aberdeen City Community Health Partnership Committee
• Training accreditation developed for eating disorder staff
• New digital x-ray imaging system
• Aberdeen City Alcohol &Drugs Partnership meeting
• Self-test sexual infection kit re-launched
• Launch of Moray Health-e-space
• Mental health anti stigma winners
• Works starts on NHS Grampian's new Energy Centre
• NHS Grampian Board Meeting
• World AIDS Day 2009: Campaign calls on individuals at risk to get tested
• Launch of Give Kids a Chance Christmas Fundraising
• Healthcare Environment Inspectorate - Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

23 November 2009

 

NHSG/168/09

 

 

Overall, this is a disappointing inspection for a hospital whose record in infection control has been steadily improving in recent years and for whom preventing the spread of infection is a priority. Wards have been upgraded, space between beds increased in many areas, more single rooms provided, 1,400 staff have completed 'cleanliness champions' training, and an MRSA screening project is being piloted in Grampian for the Scottish Government.

 

However the clear focus for the organisation is now on addressing the issues raised in the report of the initial visit, as a matter of urgency.

 

Richard Carey, Chief Executive of NHS Grampian, said: "It is vitally important to this organisation that we learn from this inspection and act swiftly on its recommendations. We will therefore work closely with the inspectorate in implementing their recommendations on improving our infection control measures, and report regularly to our Board on progress.

 

"The public will quite rightly seek reassurance that the hospital is as safe as possible. We intend to provide that reassurance not through words but by our actions, so that when next an inspection is carried out the inspectorate will report full compliance with their recommendations.

 

"Patient safety is at the core of our service, and remains the top priority for all our staff.  I am very grateful to them for their tireless efforts over the last few weeks in helping to produce the vigorous action plan which will address the inspectorate's concerns."

 

Since receiving feedback from the inspection team, a comprehensive action plan involving clinical and non-clinical staff at all levels in the organisation and public representatives has been drawn up. Steps are already being taken to meet all the requirements contained in the report, by improving communication, monitoring compliance with guidelines, and training. Clear timetables have been set out for completing these actions.

 

Among other recent developments is the appointment to the vacant post of infection control consultant.

NHS Grampian is encouraged that the inspection team recognised our good antimicrobial prescribing practice and the close involvement of patients and the public in our infection surveillance.

 

We are also pleased that, in an unannounced follow-up visit, the team reported that NHS Grampian was acting swiftly to comply with the original report's findings.   

 

Details of the action taken to date, or about to be taken, can be found in the action plan and can be accessed via this link. 

 

Corporate Communications
NHS Grampian