We asked Health Secretary Shona Robison a series of questions about the situation at NHS Grampian.
1 ) Why will you not publish the Royal College of Surgeons England review of general surgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary?
Shona Robison – “The report was commissioned by NHS Grampian and includes sensitive confidential information about NHS Grampian staff, some of which is the subject of ongoing HR procedures.
“Publication of the report is a matter for NHS Grampian, although they are bound by confidentiality issues on HR matters, just like any other organisation.
“It would be completely inappropriate for any politician to become involved.
“The board have published the key findings of the report, and has also been subject to a thorough an open investigation by Health Improvement Scotland (HIS) which published its findings in full.”
2) Will you send Scotland’s chief medical officer to investigate general surgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary?
SR – “The leadership, management, including in general surgery, and clinical relationships at NHS Grampian have been robustly investigated.
“Indeed, when the concerns were initially raised, the acting chief medical officer visited Grampian as part of the process of addressing and acting on the issues highlighted.”
3) Will you order a review of the medical management of NHS Grampian?
SR – “The HIS report was told of examples of extremely poor behaviours and practices by a minority of medical staff that had been left unresolved.
“The board is now under fresh management and has set out a clear plan to deal with the issues and behaviours uncovered by the HIS investigation.”
4) Are you planning to visit Aberdeen to discuss the current situation?
SR – “I am in regular contact with the board as it progresses against the issues highlighted in the HIS report.
“The Scottish Government meets regularly with board chairmen and chief executives as part of ongoing engagement with health boards.”
5) Are you content that adequate protection is in place for “whistle-blowers” in the health service?
SR – “The NHS in Scotland has clear, robust whistleblowing procedures in place, which enable all NHS employees to speak out and be heard.
“I have full confidence in these, which we are clear all NHS boards in Scotland should adhere to.”