Improvements at hospital that treated children in adult wards
GoogleA watchdog says improvements have been made at a hospital previously criticised for treating children in adult wards due to a shortage of trained nurses.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) raised concerns in 2024 that there were times when children were left unaccompanied at Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway.
Inspectors also said NHS Western Isles provided conflicting information on the number of staff trained in paediatric support and the care of acutely unwell, deteriorating patients.
HIS said a follow-up inspection had found improvements in compliance rates of staff trained in paediatric and adult care.
NHS Western Isles has welcomed the report and said it has a dedicated and secure paediatric bay in a medical ward.
HIS chief inspector Donna Maclean said the latest unannounced inspection had recorded improvements across the hospital.
"We saw staff working collaboratively to provide compassionate and responsive care and the hospital was clean and well maintained," she said.
"All acute policies and procedures were current, ratified and up to date and all medicines were stored securely.
"However, there continued to be inconsistencies with completion of documentation, and cleaning products were not stored securely."
NHS Western Isles chief executive Gordon Jamieson said he was pleased "significant improvements" had been recognised.
"The report highlights the dedication and professionalism of our staff in delivering safe, compassionate, person-centred care, and in strengthening governance and training compliance," he said.
"We acknowledge that some areas still require attention, we are committed to addressing these as part of our ongoing improvement plan."
