Inspectors have praised NHS Grampian for enhancing the care and support it offers to older patients.
Health Improvement Scotland visited Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Woodend Hospital in August, and were impressed by the way staff interacted with pensioners in their care.
The health board has also been commended for the high level of care it offers across all of its wards.
In particular, the report highlighted a “daily huddle” that takes place involving senior staff, where vital issues affecting patients that day can be discussed.
In addition, inspectors were also positive about the recently-launched older people acute liaison team, which reviews frail, elderly patients admitted to ARI.
Staff at both hospitals were also hailed for helping to create a more comfortable environment for patients, and treating them with “dignity and respect”.
However, inspectors have urged the health board to make improvements to health and safety procedures as well as the way it records patients’ medical records.
They deemed that staff at both hospitals had inconsistent and incomplete record-keeping which related to the health of older patients, including personal care plans.
Risk assessment and fall prevention is also an area which the report identifies as an area for improvement.
The report adds: “Throughout this report, we have identified areas of poor documentation. However, it is important to stress that poor documentation does not automatically mean that care is poor.
“We cannot say that care was poor, only that we could not be assured that care was safe and appropriate.”
In total, the inspection team found six areas of strength, and 15 areas for the board to focus on improving.
Last night, the health board said it was pleased with the overall findings of the report.
Amanda Croft, director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professions with NHS Grampian, said: “We are delighted with the positive feedback from our patients and I know it will be a boost to staff to see their hard work highlighted like this.
“Being in hospital is never something people look forward to but we work hard to make the patient experience as comfortable, convenient and welcoming as it can be.”