Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley told to improve elderly care

Inspectors have told the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley to improve its care of elderly people.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland carried out an inspection on 14 and 15 March.

While most patients spoke positively about their care, inspectors found 12 areas for improvement.

They were particularly concerned by instructions in patients' notes not to resuscitate them in an emergency, which did not seem to have been approved by their families.

Chief inspector Susan Brimelow said: "During our inspection we noted areas where NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is performing well and we saw many examples of positive caring behaviour from staff.

An action plan will now be developed to implement the areas for improvement highlighted by the inspectors”

"However, we also found areas where further improvement is required.

"From the patient records we reviewed, we found little evidence of mental health assessments being carried out and no individualised care planned for patients with confusion or challenging behaviour.

"NHS Greater Glasgow has developed an action plan to address the areas for improvement highlighted in our report."

Rory Farrelly, acute director of nursing at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "We are pleased that the inspection team highlighted a number of areas where we are performing well in relation to the care provided to older people at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

"We fully accept that there are a number of other areas where we need to improve and an action plan will now be developed to implement the areas for improvement highlighted by the inspectors.

"The delivery of consistent high quality healthcare to older people is a key priority for this health board and a number of innovative initiatives are already under way to improve the care of patients with dementia and cognitive impairment."