Staff at an Aberdeen hospital ward have been praised for their excellent standards and the high level of care they provide.
Inspectors from the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland paid an unannounced visit to the Strathbeg ward at Royal Cornhill Hospital at the end of January.
With 12 beds, it provides care for men with progressing dementia and symptoms of stress and distress.
The watchdog published its findings yesterday, highlighting the calm atmosphere on the ward and the quality of organised activities taking place.
Its report noted that: “Staff were observed engaging well with patients and were clearly enthusiastic about their work.”
Inspectors also found that patients’ records were well-organised and regularly maintained and that the highly-detailed notes explaining how to care for patients in distress were “particularly good”.
They also said patients were given access to medical specialists including doctors, physiotherapists and psychologists, as well as being able to enjoy board games, art and gardening.
However, the MWC did say more care was needed when staff review care plans, making sure to note down whether any changes for patients were successful so they could be used again in the future.
It also recommended that the assisted bath in the ward is replaced “at the earliest opportunity,” as inspectors were told it was over 20 years old and unusable.
Jane Fletcher, NHS Grampian’s head of mental health and learning disability services, said: “This report highlights the very high level of care delivered on Strathbeg ward.
“This is testament to the hard work and commitment of all the staff there. I am very proud of them and all they do for their patients.”
She added: “The report does make two recommendations which we accept and are working to implement.”
