Inspectors give verdict on Raigmore Hospital after unannounced visit to check Covid-19 response
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Inspectors have praised the Highlands' main hospital for its efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland today published its report relating to an unannounced inspection visit to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness last month.
Ian Smith, the organisation's head of quality of care, said: “In all the areas we inspected the standard of environmental cleaning was good and the majority of patient equipment was visibly clean.
"We saw systems in place to ensure that patients being admitted minimised the risk of Covid-19 being transmitted.
"However, the fabric of the building must be maintained to allow for effective cleaning.
"In addition, where there is a need to increase the number of beds within multi-bedded bays, patients must be able to physically distance."
NHS Highland has welcomed the report which highlights a number of areas of good practice, including the safeguarding of patients and appropriate use of PPE.
Pam Dudek, NHS Highland’s chief executive, said: "Our colleagues across the hospital had to change how they work to ensure that the environment is safe and secure for our patients.
"I want to thank them for all of their continued efforts.
"It is encouraging that our staff feel that they are supported by their line managers during what has been an exceptionally challenging period for everyone.
"We are only able to achieve the best standards of care for our patients when we pull together.
"There are a lot of positive things to reflect on in this report and we are committed to ensuring that we maintain and improve our standards.
"There are also requirements within the report that we must address and we are developing an action plan to ensure these are met."
The report can be read here.
