A dozen areas of improvement have been identified at Dr Gray’s Hospital following a surprise visit from inspectors.
Officials from Healthcare Improvement Scotland have drawn up an action plan with NHS Grampian to address concerns.
Weekly checks on the weight of patients were found to be carried out up to four weeks late – only eight of the 17 records reviewed were done on time.
Inspectors have also demanded care is tailored to the individual. Records reviewed failed to identify the amount of assistance some patients need.
Hospital manager Alasdair Pattinson accepted the findings but was also delighted patients provided “heartfelt” praise for the care they receive.
He said: “There are of course areas for further improvement which have been highlighted to us and are set out in the report, which we fully accept and we are already working towards actions to address the recommendations.
“There is good clinical and managerial leadership in place in Dr Gray’s Hospital and staff on the wards feel supported by the senior nurses and the senior management team, which is a further positive observation and one that will assist us as we work through the recommendations in this report.”
Some wards were found to be relying on bank staff due to vacancies. However, that is expected to improve when a new consultant geriatrician begins working there in August.
Inspectors visited wards five, six and seven as well as the stroke rehabilitation ward, medical admissions unit and emergency department in April.
Seven areas of good practice were identified. Attention to patients who fall, food standards and discharge planning were praised by officials following their unannounced visit.
An action plan drawn up by NHS Grampian shows the health authority expects to have addressed all the concerns by April next year.
Ian Smith, senior inspector for Healthcare Improvement Scotland, added: “During our inspection of Dr Gray’s we found areas of good practice, such as good completion of risk assessments for falls.
“We also saw good evidence of multidisciplinary team working and feedback from patienst about the care they receive was good.
“We also identified areas for improvement. For example, NHS Grampian must ensure that all older people, who are being treated in the emergency department or are admitted to hospital, are accurately assessed within the recommended timescales.”
