Western Infirmary
Older people in acute hospitals announced inspection
Inspection dates: 21 – 23 February 2012
We carried out an announced inspection to the Western Infirmary
from Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 February 2012. We inspected eleven
areas of the hospital.
Before the inspection, we reviewed the NHS Greater Glasgow and
Clyde self-assessment and obtained information about the Western
Infirmary from other sources. This included Scotland’s Patient
Experience Programme, and other additional data that specifically
related to the care of older people. Based on our review of this
information, we decided to focus the inspection on nutritional care
and hydration. During the inspection, we identified areas of
concern with the management of patients with a cognitive
impairment. This led the team to change focus from nutrition to
cognitive impairment.
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
The inspection team noted areas of strength where NHS Greater
Glasgow and Clyde was performing well in relation to the care
provided to older people in acute care. The majority of
interactions between staff and patients observed were found to be
positive. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has progressed the
Standards of Care for Dementia in Scotland, June 2011 by developing
a strategic plan to evaluate and, where required, implement
improvements. Patients told us during interviews and in the patient
surveys that if they needed assistance with nutrition they were
able to get this help.
Areas for improvement
We did find areas where further improvement is required. NHS
Greater Glasgow and Clyde do not have a tracking system for
patients with dementia who are moved to other areas within the
hospital. Patients in the Western Infirmary are not being
individually assessed for cognitive impairment to allow for
personalised care.
We identified that not all nutritional assessments are being
carried out either on admission or throughout the patient’s stay.
This led to no personalised care plan to identify patient’s
specific nutritional care needs, being put in place. Patients who
required assistance at meal times were not being offered the
appropriate utensils to help them with eating and drinking.
This inspection resulted in 13 areas for improvement. We expect
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to address all the areas for
improvement. Those areas where improvement is required to meet a
recognised standard must be prioritised.
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: 4 April 2012
