NHS Grampian bosses and Scottish Government ministers have been urged to work together to resolve what a campaigner has described as managerial “conflict” within two Aberdeen hospitals.
George Thomson, secretary of Grampian Senior Citizens Forum, who said he was “disturbed” and “worried” about the findings of a new report on services for older people at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) and Woodend Hospital.
“I have been in hospital and I am very grateful for the work that they do because the treatment I got was first class,” he added.
“I have never heard any complaints so I have a feeling there must be some sort of conflict going on in the leadership and that is very, very disturbing.
“I find that extremely worrying and I would like to think the leadership of the NHS and Scottish Government will get together and find some kind of resolution to the problem.
“Something needs to be done immediately because it would be a disaster if, through some sort of mismanagement, there was a detriment to the health of the people in this city.”
North-east Conservative MSP Nanette Milne said older patients and their families demanded the best care.
“This report highlights a number of areas where the treatment of older people must improve including in the development of an individual patient care plan to meet the needs of vulnerable patients as well as in the management of care places,” she added.
“Overall the report highlights the clear commitment and dedication of the medical and nursing staff but it highlights the staff shortages NHS Grampian faces in delivering a first class health service.”
North-east Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald said he was concerned that staff shortages had led to the closure of a special lounge at ARI dedicated to dealing with people due to be discharged from hospital.
“This report shows how under staffing contributes to patients staying in hospital longer than they need to,” he added.
A health board spokeswoman said a comprehensive action plan had been drawn up and was in the process of being put in place to address the 22 recommendations for improvement.