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Nearly a decade after an investigation into baby deaths at Crosshouse University Hospital in East Ayrshire, a recent report has demanded improvements in how the hospital’s maternity unit manages patient safety incidents. Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) issued the report following a routine, unannounced inspection in October, highlighting significant shortcomings including delays faced by women contacting the triage unit and a reluctance among some staff to report safety events. Reviews of incidents were also criticized for taking too long, negatively affecting families involved.
The inspection, part of a broader initiative covering all 18 obstetric units across Scotland, was prompted by a previous spike in newborn deaths. In 2016, a review was launched after BBC Scotland News exposed six avoidable infant deaths at Crosshouse Hospital. HIS’s 2017 findings echoed similar concerns about incident investigations. These revelations led the Scottish government to initiate a national review of maternity care, given widespread safety concerns in several units.
The recent report outlines 16 requirements alongside two recommendations for the hospital, addressing areas such as the flushing of water outlets that are rarely used and enhancing the cleanliness of patient equipment. Despite these issues, the report also acknowledged ten examples of good practice, including respectful and compassionate interactions between staff and patients. HIS chief inspector Donna Maclean noted that while women felt supported and listened to in their care decisions, there were still significant worries regarding delays in the triage unit and gaps in incident reporting, which might hinder learning and safety improvements.
Among those deeply affected by the failures at Crosshouse is Fraser Morton, whose son Lucas died in 2015 following a series of missed diagnoses, delay in monitoring, and failures to escalate concerns about the baby’s heartbeat. Morton expressed frustration, saying, “The failings that contributed to Lucas’ death, every one was identified in a previous action plan or a review into Ayrshire and Arran’s adverse events system. If those action plans were properly implemented, I believe Lucas may have been here today.” NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s nurse director Jennifer Wilson acknowledged the report, committing to sustained improvements to ensure safe and dignified care. The public health minister reiterated that improving maternity safety remains a top priority, emphasizing the seriousness with which the report’s requirements are being treated
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