Watchdog praises running of island hospital's maternity services
Getty ImagesA watchdog has praised the running of maternity services at Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway in Lewis.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) said an inspection in October found staff were providing "compassionate and responsive" care to women and their families.
It also said there was good teamwork between senior midwifery managers, senior obstetricians and wider teams.
HIS said there were some of improvements needed around mandatory training. some fire safety requirements and completion of patient documentation.
Western Isles Hospital is the largest hospital in the Hebrides.
Its maternity unit sees about 200 deliveries a year and deals with all aspects of midwifery, from early pregnancy through to postnatal care.
HIS chief inspector Donna Maclean said: "During our inspection we saw staff providing compassionate and responsive care to women and their families.
"We saw good teamwork and staff described being supported by senior managers and felt able to raise concerns.
"Women and families we spoke with were complimentary of the care they received."
NHS Western Isles has welcomed the report.
Chief executive Gordon Jamieson said: "We were particularly encouraged to see that inspectors noted that women and families they spoke to were complimentary of the care they received and would be happy to recommend NHS Western Isles maternity services to family and friends."
He added: "We welcome the recognition of our staff's dedication and compassion, and we remain fully committed to delivering the highest standards of safe, person‑centred maternity care for women and families across the Western Isles."
