The new interim chief executive of NHS Grampian has apologised to patients across the north-east and said he is committed to making urgent improvements.
A scathing independent review of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary has unearthed concerns over leadership, governance, culture and inappropriate behaviour of some staff at the flagship hospital.
The report, published this morning, said shortfalls in these area “have the potential to have a more serious impact” if not urgently addressed by NHS Grampian.
In statement released in response to the report, an NHS spokeswoman said that interim chief executive, Malcolm Wright, will spend the next six months supporting the executive team and NHS Grampian Board in implementing the recommendations made.
“He acknowledged that the reports make stark reading for the organisation and that plans for tackling the issues they raise require robust implementation,” she said.
“Extensive plans have already been drawn up to take forward all the recommendations, but he emphasised that people in the north east can have confidence in the quality of care provided.”
Mr Wright said he took the reports “extremely seriously”.
“We believe that our staff are amongst the best working in NHS Scotland and as a Board we are committed to doing all that we can to support them,” he said.
“The Board absolutely accepts the recommendations made and detailed action plans have been drawn up to address these issues.
“We have committed to improving leadership, management and engagement between clinicians and managers at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and across the organisation.
“We will establish a system of management at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with clinicians and managers working together at the heart of the care that we provide with clear roles and responsibilities, ensuring that all staff understand what is expected of them. This will include all consultants having job plans.
“We will improve the operation and performance of the Board. We will also bring a new rigour and focus to the work of the executive team. We acknowledge that the issues highlighted in the reports do not reflect well on governance and accountability in the organisation and we are committed to addressing these issues rigorously.
“It is vitally important to learn from this inspection and act swiftly on its recommendations. We have developed a detailed action plan and work is already underway to address the concerns raised. In the longer term we want to appoint a consultant nurse to focus on care for the elderly and ensure that there is an appropriate focus on leadership, development, training and support for staff in terms of implementing best clinical practice.”