NHS Lanarkshire has welcomed Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s (HIS) report on care for older people in acute care at Monklands Hospital – and announced a detailed improvement plan.
HIS today (Monday 6 August 2012) published a report about its announced inspection at Monklands Hospital from Monday 25 June to Wednesday 27 June 2012.
The inspectors found that overall patients were positive about the care and assistance they received at Monklands Hospital. Of 51 patients who completed the inspectors’ questionnaire, 84 per cent stated that they had been given clear information about their condition and treatment and 88per cent said the quality of care they received was good.
Rosemary Lyness, NHS Lanarkshire’s Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions, said: “We are firmly committed to working towards the very highest standards of care for older people at Monklands Hospital.
“The inspectors noted some areas of strength at the hospital where we are already achieving this. For example, older patients in the Emergency Medical Receiving Unit are assessed by an acute care of the elderly nurse to ensure they receive the most appropriate care while in hospital. We have introduced dementia champions within our wards to improve care for people with dementia and a carers’ coordinator is available to provide individual support and information.
“We have also introduced picture signage on bedroom, toilet and bathroom doors to help orientate and improve the environment for people with dementia or a cognitive impairment.
“However, we know that we must continue to work hard to ensure all older people receive the best care in hospital. The inspectors highlighted areas for improvement, which we are addressing as a priority. We will use the inspectors’ feedback to drive higher standards of care for every patient and have developed a detailed action plan to fully address all the issues they have identified.
“Our action plan includes additional steps to make staff aware of the national guidance on DNACPR (do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and to ensure they consistently put it into practice. This will be closely monitored by our divisional medical director. We are auditing staff training on moving and assisting patients to ensure staff’s skills are kept up to date and all patients are assisted in line with the standards set down in our policy.
“NHS Lanarkshire is also creating four new posts that will assist in driving forward best practice for the prevention and management of pressure ulcers. This will help staff take a proactive approach to meeting patients’ needs.”
NHS Lanarkshire’s action plan also includes a comprehensive package of training, audits and awareness raising to ensure that all older people are treated with compassion, dignity and respect. In addition, new nursing documentation will be introduced to provide individualised care plans for patients with a cognitive impairment.