Monday, November 23, 2009

NHS Grampian chief executive Richard Carey's career should be down the toilet if he can't do better












Dear All

The SNP Government has demanded "urgent improvements" at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after a damning report into the state of the hospital.

A Healthcare Environment Inspectorate report into the hospital highlighted serious issues including cleanliness and infection control which present a major problem.

Health Minister Nicola Sturgeon commented;

"This report makes difficult reading. I am disappointed that so much room for improvement has been identified."

The most damning aspect of the report I would suggest is a lack of communication between management and ward staff about controlling infections.

If the right kind of people is not in place at a management level then the SNP Government should insist that those not capable are removed from standing in the way of improvement, whoever they are.

Nicola Sturgeon added;

"It is very welcome news that a follow-up unannounced inspection found that urgent action is already being taken and many concerns have already been addressed. I now expect NHS Grampian to implement all the inspectorate's recommendations urgently and in full."

It may also be an idea that each hospital becomes more proactive by setting up their own mini healthcare environment inspectorate to ensure standards.

For NHS Grampian chief executive Richard Carey this should be a wake call to place him on notice.

If he can’t be an effective force then he should be out.

Royal College of Nursing Scotland director Theresa Fyffe said;

"It is important that the Healthcare Environment Inspectorate continues to work in a spirit of partnership and improvement with healthcare staff and that all health boards learn from the reports published so far."

A spirit of partnership that seems an odd statement to make to me!

I would say the opposite that the Inspectorate should distance themselves from being too cosy with the people they inspect in case it clouds their judgement.

There maybe a case for Healthcare Environment Inspectorate officers to be assigned to each hospital funded by the Scottish Government on a permanent basis.

Yours sincerely

George Laird
The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University

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