Report on the meeting of the 12 August 2009 with Jane Grant, Chief Operating officer of NHSGG&C

Dr Cameron Howie explained the strict protocols applied to all patients prior to selection for day-surgery and endoscopy procedures. When questioned about audit of such protocols to ensure compliance, we were told that this is not routinely done. We were glad to here that monitoring is being undertaken of the number of patients at the ACH developing complications that necessitate transfer to the acute facility across the road.

It was also indicated that audit of such transfers would be valuable in planning service provision.

The beds in the day surgery unit are 23 hour plus beds allowing the possibility of patients remaining in care in the ACH until ready for discharge. We look forward to hearing about the expansion of day surgery activity.

Although the laboratory in the ACH is not operational, samples for analysis are sent by the hydraulic system to the lab area, collected by a porter and sent to the appropriate lab either at the Victoria Inf or the Southern General Hospital.

The ACH is not yet paperlite in respect of patient records. Paper files are being transferred from the Victoria for the clinics and returned to the Infirmary for storage thereafter. The IT scanning of records is extremely challenging and a solution is still being sought.

Chemotherapy treatment at the ACH is available now.

The renal dialysis unit is not yet opened. As at the 12 August discussions are ongoing on the purification of the water to be used for patients. (This has now been resolved but another problem has arisen).

The signage both outside and inside the new building was discussed and we understand that steps are afoot to improve the patient experience. May we make a further suggestion that any letter advising a patient of a forthcoming appointment should read; “enter by e.g. the Grange Road entrance” followed by any other particulars.

Forum members reported that already the cleanliness and amenities of the public toilets fell short of the high standard hoped for. Assurance was given that the facilities are inspected regularly but that the facility is open to any member of the public.

Some of the above issues are in the process of being resolved and during the running-in period of the ACH no doubt other issues will arise.

Mrs Hinds thanked Jane Grant and her team for their time and consideration and expressed the hope that a further meeting will take place in six months time.