NHS Highland denies any grounds for concerns about patient safety at New Craigs Hospital during coronavirus lockdown
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NHS Highland has dismissed suggestions by a campaign group that cuts at New Craigs Hospital are compromising staff and patient safety.
A number of critical tweets were posted on the Twitter account of MeTooNHSHighland questioning patient care at the psychiatric unit.
The tweets claimed two wards were rolled into one at the hospital, meaning 20 patients were “all mingling, not two metres apart” including in a café there and while queueing for food and socialising.
Highlands and Islands MSP David Stewart wrote to NHS Highland’s interim chief executive, Paul Hawkins, to ask about the claims.
“I realise that NHS staff and management are busy coping with coronavirus but there are valid concerns being raised,” he said.
After being approached by the Courier, however, the health board said there was no cause for concern.
A spokeswoman said: "Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic staff based at New Craigs Hospital have been preparing in line with national guidance.
"A decision to reconfigure inpatient services was taken in order to operate the site safely since like many areas in the NHS our staffing numbers have been affected by self-isolation requirements and access to childcare.
"All wards have implemented social distancing with patients being advised to stay in their own room and follow social distancing guidelines.
"Meal times have been staggered to allow socially distant seating arrangements – the canteen was shut on Monday, March 23 in line with national instructions that food retailers should close their doors.
"This space has been re-utilised as a larger waiting room to support social distancing for emergency appointments.
"Group activities have also stopped and been replaced with individual work."
She added: "Any symptomatic patients have been cared for in isolation.
"All wards have access to outside space and social distancing is maintained. This allows patients to have exercise in line with Covid-19 guidance and their own plan of care.
"Nursing observations, including temperature checking, are being undertaken in line with existing protocols. We have maintained adequate supplies of PPE (personal protective equipment) throughout the pandemic period, including equipment required in respect of medical emergencies.
"Visiting restrictions have at all times been in line with national and organisational guidelines. Patients are able to access family connection through ward phones and own their own devices. This is no change from our usual contact arrangements."
