NHS Grampian has suspended all planned paediatric surgery at Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin. The decision was made following concerns about the quality and safety of care for children.
Emergency paediatric surgery at the hospital had already been paused in June, with some exceptions, due to identified concerns about surgical services. The current suspension extends to all planned procedures, including elective dental and ear, nose and throat (ENT) operations.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) conducted an unannounced inspection at the hospital in April and subsequently raised concerns regarding paediatric care. Dr Hugh Farrow-Bishop, NHS Grampian medical director, stated that the regulator sought assurances about the number of staff with advanced paediatric life support training available at the hospital.
NHS Grampian has reviewed staffing rotas and existing procedures, implementing changes to ensure appropriately trained staff are on site for emergencies. Training records have also been checked, with refresher training arranged where necessary. Dr Farrow-Bishop apologised to affected children and families, committing to offering new dates for procedures as soon as possible.
Outpatient paediatric care and all other inpatient and outpatient services at Dr Gray's Hospital remain unaffected. The medical director expects the process of reviewing and renewing required training, and determining the safe profile of paediatric surgery, to be completed by the end of the year.