Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Older people in acute hospitals announced inspection
Inspection dates: 2 - 4 May 2012
We carried out an announced
inspection to Glasgow Royal Infirmary on Wednesday 2, Thursday
3 and Friday 4 May 2012.
Before the inspection, we reviewed NHS
Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s self-assessment and obtained
information about Glasgow Royal Infirmary from other sources. This
included Scotland’s Patient Experience Programme and other
additional data that specifically relate to the care of older
people. Based on our review of this information, we decided to
focus the inspection on falls prevention and management, and
preventing and managing pressure ulcers.
On the inspection, we used additional tools
to gather more information. We also reviewed patient health records
to establish the context of the care provided and to ensure the
care delivered was as described in the care plans.
Areas of strength
We noted areas where NHS Greater Glasgow and
Clyde was performing well in relation to the care provided to older
people in acute hospitals. Patients who we spoke with were happy
with the care they received during their stay in Glasgow Royal
Infirmary and we observed some good interactions between staff and
patients.
There is an older people’s mental health
liaison service that works with the community mental health teams.
This enhances the continuity of care between the hospital and the
community. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has appointed a nurse
consultant in conjunction with Alzheimer’s Scotland to develop
dementia care within the NHS board.
There is a tissue viability service within
Glasgow Royal Infirmary. As part of the service, each ward has a
tissue viability link nurse.
Areas for improvement
However, we did find that further improvement
is required in the following areas.
The environment within Glasgow Royal
Infirmary does not consistently allow for the dignity of patients
to be respected. For example, patients in some wards cannot access
a toilet if they require the assistance of two nurses or use a
walking frame. In some areas, there is a lack of bathing and
showering facilities. Where bathing and showering facilities were
available, they do not always preserve the dignity of patients.
A number of assessments of cognitive
impairment and pressure areas were poor or had not taken place.
Without an assessment of the individual needs of a patient, there
is no evidence to demonstrate that the care provided is
appropriate. Documentation regarding the care provided to patients
was not always completed or correct.
This inspection resulted in four areas of
strength, 17 areas for improvement and one area for continuing
improvement.
The improvement action plan for this
inspection has now been removed from the HEI website, as the
inspection took place more than 16 weeks ago. Please contact NHS
Greater Glasgow and Clyde for further information on progress
against this action plan..
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Published Date: 13 June 2012
