Health Improvement Scotland issues damning report on NHS Grampian leadership failures

Major problems found at hospital

The watchdog identified major problems at Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin alongside deficiencies across the whole region. The inquiry showed that errors were not addressed and similar patient injuries kept happening. Chief executive Laura Skaife-Knight ordered this review but does not escape blame for the findings. Earlier this year, she had to issue a shameful apology concerning false claims about a patient dying.

Executive misled watchdog on review

Health Improvement Scotland found the investigation into the death was inadequate and noted executive medical director Hugh Bishop claimed no recollection of seeing the review. He had actually been sent the document and discussed it in a meeting before leaving his post recently. Staff at lower levels suffered greatly from the misinformation because they believed management attempted to pass the blame onto them.

Government response and future steps

Health Secretary Angela Constance stated she is keeping faith in Skaife-Knight because she operated with candour and admitted mistakes. She noted that almost half of the board has changed and a new chairperson is about to step in. Further escalation is inevitable as NHS Grampian already faces special measures due to financial difficulties.