A HOSPITAL has been told to make 21 improvements to elderly care following a snap inspection.

Inspectors found several patient records, containing confidential information, left open in a public area of Hairmyres Hospital.

Patients were referred to as a bed number in some conversations between staff which inspectors described as "undignified" and a safety risk as patients may have been moved.

One patient was not risk-assessed for malnutrition until three days after admission despite being identified as "high-risk."

However, the hospital was praised for work to improve patient flow. The number of patients boarded for for non-clinical reasons was low.

Hairmyres was also praised for dementia care, a hospital at home scheme and a daily, hospital-wide meeting that allows staff to meet to discuss concerns.

Wards areas were described as "calm and uncluttered." Side rooms had frosted windows on doors and curtains to preserve dignity and the majority of patients had buzzers within reach.

Interactions between staff and patients were dignified and respectful.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland carried out the unannounced inspection from July 28–30.

Jacqui Macrae, Head of Quality of Care for Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: “NHS Lanarkshire had experienced significant organisational change, including appointing a new chief executive and executive nurse director. From the inspection, we could see improvement, including the Hospital at Home scheme which was working well, and improved patient flow and capacity in the hospital.

"However, this inspection resulted in 21 areas for improvement that require to be addressed as a matter of priority.

"We found that further improvement is required to improve the completion of documentation and record keeping, and ensure care plans are personalised and sufficiently detailed to inform individual care. We will continue to inspect Hairmyres Hospital and report publicly on the hospital’s progress.”