Healthcare Improvement Scotland has published three inspection reports following unannounced inspections in April 2026 at NHS Grampian facilities, including Aberdeen Maternity Hospital and Dr Gray’s Hospital. The reports recognise the commitment and professionalism of staff, highlighting compassionate, patient-centred care and good multi-disciplinary teamwork. Positive experiences were reported by women and families receiving maternity care, with inspectors noting organised environments and supportive leadership.
Specific areas of good practice identified at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital included compassionate care, strong multi-disciplinary working, specialist bereavement support, and positive patient experiences. At Dr Gray’s Hospital, good practices noted were responsive care, staff wellbeing initiatives, supportive leadership, and community engagement. However, the reports also pinpoint areas needing improvement for Maternity Services across Grampian, such as governance, mandatory training compliance, adverse event management, staffing processes, and ensuring care is delivered by the right professionals in the right place.
NHS Grampian stated that many of the concerns had already been identified internally, and improvement work is underway. This includes programmes to enhance appraisal and training compliance, strengthen governance, improve triage processes, and learn from adverse events. Rabina Tindale, NHS Grampian’s Interim Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and AHPs, welcomed the reports, emphasising the commitment to improving services and thanking colleagues for their dedication.
Regarding Mental Health and Acute Services at Dr Gray’s Hospital, inspectors noted positive staff-patient interactions, inclusive safety briefings, collaborative teamwork, and well-led wards. However, concerns were raised about the sustainability of the High Dependency Unit (HDU) medical model, aspects of paediatric care, staff training compliance, adverse event management, and clinical governance. The reliability of some information provided during the inspection was also highlighted.
NHS Grampian has accepted these findings and implemented actions, including changes to medical staffing, governance improvements, and efforts to strengthen training compliance. A review of the HDU medical model at Dr Gray’s Hospital has been completed, with changes made to support safer care. The health board will continue to provide assurance on progress to Healthcare Improvement Scotland and focus on delivering its action plan to address the identified requirements and recommendations.
