Improvement work is continuing across women’s services in NHS Lothian.
A list of comprehensive reviews and concrete actions have been taken to make sure that our service is safe and continuing to provide effective care for women and babies after concerns were raised earlier this year.
NHS Lothian is providing extra reassurance following coverage in the media today (December 11) about women’s services that some patients might have found concerning.
The story centred on the whistleblowing report, which raised questions about patient safety and working culture within women’s services. It also focussed on a rare incidence of maternal death which is the subject of a forthcoming Significant Adverse Event (SAE) review.
We need to wait on the outcome of the SAE and address any recommendations from that, however we are already implementing actions in relation to the whistleblowing concerns.
NHS Lothian commissioned the whistleblowing investigation into concerns when they were raised earlier this year.
Since then, all aspects of patient care and workforce as well as staff working patterns, training and environment have been reviewed. Engagement with staff was immediate and an improvement plan was designed with staff in an open and transparent process.
If you have any questions about your ongoing care, please speak to your clinician in the first instance. We have also created a dedicated phoneline for patients and their families on 0131 536 3370 for more general enquiries.
The phoneline will be open from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4pm.
