Achi news desk-
HIS said it will “consider the full breadth of leadership, clinical, governance and operational issues, particularly in terms of how they may affect the safety and quality of care”.
The review “will be conducted by a senior level team and supported by appropriate external expertise”.
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The terms of reference for the work “will be confirmed as soon as possible”, with details of the review timetable yet to be announced.
The clinical watchdog apologized in late March for “weaknesses” in its earlier investigation into the unit’s patient safety, after facing a backlash from doctors.
HIS was criticized for shutting down its investigator without giving whistleblowers the opportunity to share their concerns or evidence directly with officers.
In May last year, 29 consultants in emergency medicine at the QEUH – almost all of whom are based in the department – wrote to HIS to warn that patient safety in A&E departments was being “seriously compromised” by issues such as treatment delays, “inadequate” staffing levels, and patients being left unassessed in unsuitable waiting areas.
They offered 18 months worth of evidence showing overcrowding and staff shortages.
However, HIS did not ask for this evidence and, in August last year, wrote to the chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Jane Grant, to confirm that it was closing its investigation into the consultants’ complaint following meetings with Morag Gardner, the table. deputy director of nursing, and Scott Davidson, deputy medical director.
At the time, HIS said it was satisfied that there was “awareness and supervision of the issues and of the performance of the emergency department”.
Sources told the BBC they were angry that the investigation “appears to have started and ended with HIS asking hospital managers if everything was fine and being assured that it was”.
After the consultants raised concerns about the handling of his investigation, Robbie Pearson, the chief executive of HIS, wrote back in March apologizing “for our failings in this matter and the obvious distress they have caused” to cause you all”.
HIS also issued video statements on social media encouraging whistleblowers in the NHS not to be deterred from bringing concerns to HIS in the future.
In light of concerns raised about care in the Emergency Department at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Dr Simon Watson, our Medical Director and Director of Safety, talks about the importance of talking to us if you are an NHS worker and have a patient safety concern. pic.twitter.com/9IWyVBUxId
— Healthcare Improvement Scotland (@online_his) March 29, 2024
The evidence gathered by consultants was then shared with HIS, triggering the launch of this new review.
Speaking about the review, Mr Pearson said: “The Emergency Department consultants at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital have raised a range of concerns which they believe are compromising their ability to provide safe, effective and focused care on the individual.
“This review will assess these issues to ensure a comprehensive and balanced assessment from all perspectives.
“The review will ensure the participation of as wide a range of staff as possible – including consultants from the Emergency Department – in order to create a complete picture of the issues facing the service.”
Jane Grant, chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), said: “We will fully support the review by Healthcare Improvement Scotland and will continue to work with them and our staff to improve the patient experience at the QEUH.”
