We welcome today’s unannounced inspection report on the care of older people at the Vale of Leven Hospital which shows a number of positive findings.
The inspectors highlighted that the standard of care was patient centred and patients were treated with dignity and respect.
Feedback from patients and carers and visitors with positive comments including ‘staff treat me and my belongings with consideration and respect’, ‘staff check on me regularly to ask if I need anything’ and ‘the ward is a welcoming place’ with friendly and approachable staff ’.
It was also highlighted by carers that they still had the option of being able to provide care for the person they were visiting and that they were happy with the care being provided to their relatives.
All patients were dressed appropriately with call bells and personal items within easy reach. There was also fluids available that patients could easily access and throughout the inspection staff maintained patients’ privacy at all times.
All wards inspected were well lit and the corridors free of clutter allowing patients to have a clear pathway when moving around.
Marie Farrell, Director, Clyde Sector, said: “We are delighted that the inspectors saw the good work that is in place at the Vale of Leven Hospital caring for older people.
“This is down to the staff and their patient-centred approach to providing care for our patients.”
The inspectors also noted the good practice at mealtimes where staff were fully involved in providing and supporting patients during this time and there was a good range of fluids, snacks, yoghurts, jellies, puddings and biscuits for patients outwith mealtimes.
Older patients being admitted to the hospital had undergone a pressure ulcer risk assessment within eight hours and staff on the wards were complimentary about the tissue viability service that patients received after their initial assessment.
Margaret McGuire, Nurse Director added: “We appreciate feedback from independent inspectors as it reinforces what we are doing right and importantly where we may need to make improvements.
“The report published today is positive and the staff deserve to be recognised and thanked for all the care and attention they are giving to older people in the Vale of Leven Hospital.”
Whilst overall this was a positive report we recognise that there are three areas involving record keeping that have been highlighted for improvement. An action plan has been developed to ensure these area are addressed.