Hospital care fury
Published 10 May 2012 09:30
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HOSPITAL campaigners in Dumbarton and the Vale have reacted angrily to a damning report into elderly care standards at a Renfrewshire hospital.
Last week a watchdog blasted care standards at Paisley's Royal Alexandra hospital - where Dumbarton and Vale patients now have to travel to access vital medical services including maternity and accident and emergency.
Inspectors from Healthcare Improvement Scotland found an astonishing 12 areas for improvement after visiting the facility.
And the hospital received just three positive areas which nursing staff could celebrate.
The inspectors said on occasions nursing staff used inappropriate language to describe elderly patients some of whom were suffering from dementia,
The report said: "While speaking to us, a member of nursing staff referred to patients using inappropriate language such as 'grabbers', 'criers' and 'feeders'.
"Several members of staff also referred to bed rails on adult beds as 'cot sides'."
The latest findings follow a number of failings at the RAH with patients from West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute complaining that they were left without blankets at the hospital due to a shortage in supply.
It follows the transferral of services from Vale of Leven hospital to the RAH after the approval of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde's 'Vision for the Vale' in 2009.
This saw anaesthetics cover being cut and a new consultant-led care model was introduced creating eight consultant posts which would cover the hospital.
Last December it was announced the Christie Ward would be closed and inpatient services transferred to Gartnavel Hospital in Glasgow.
Opponents claimed the move, which leaves Helensburgh and Dumbarton without a specialist mental health ward, was a "dark day" which would jeopardise patient care.
Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour's Shadow Health spokeswoman, said: "When services were moved from the Vale of Leven Hospital in Alexandria to the RAH, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon promised people in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven and Helensburgh and Lomond a better standard of care.
"Three reports have uncovered a catalogue of failings at the Paisley hospital, proving that its care facilities are not up to standard.
"The issues at the RAH are not down to the staff. Both nurses and doctors at the hospital are under immense pressure with budget
constraints and staff cutbacks being thrown at them, by the SNP-led government."
"I would urge Nicola Sturgeon to take the findings from this latest report seriously to ensure that no patient suffers as a result of government cuts.
"How can a hospital expect to function properly when there is little evidence of mental health assessments and no individualised care plans.
"People in West Dunbartonshire expect a better standard of care from their main hospital."
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