A hospital which caters for pensioners has been told it must improve by inspectors.
Stracathro Hospital, near Laurencekirk, was recently given an unannounced inspection by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS).
The inspectors have now published a report where they have highlighted eight areas of improvement.
However, the inspectors also praised hospital staff in a number of areas.
The facility, which has 40 beds, accommodates outpatients, offers stroke rehabilitation and other treatment.
Among the major areas of concern were waiting times for patients admitted to hospital.
The report also stated there were inconsistencies with patient care plans and they have now called for these to be put in place for every type of need.
Hospital staff should also check on patients at regular intervals, depending on their condition, and properly record their visits.
Staff must also observe and record any changes in cognitive function and ensure anyone experiencing any confusion, disorientation or other difficulties is assessed and treated properly.
Inspectors also found there were differing approaches to recording what patients required a power of attorney.
There were a further three areas where inspectors raised concerns over patient records and care documents.
But staff were praised for their interaction with patients, including using dining rooms at mealtimes and ensuring they were always visible.
Staff were also commended for the way they worked together to ensure patients were safe and weren’t at risk of falling and injuring themselves.
Inspectors have now created an action plan together with the hospital to help them carry out these improvements.
Last night, a spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said: “We are pleased that amongst the areas of good practice, the inspectors found that interactions between staff and patients were positive and that all patients praised the care they received.
“Where areas have been identified for improvement, we have already taken steps through our improvement action plan to ensure that the standards of care delivered meet the highest standards, and patients and their families can take confidence from this report.”
