The second and final part of a review into compliance of all building systems at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) and Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DCN) has been published.
Concluding work ordered by Health Secretary Jeane Freeman in July, the latest NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) report focuses on fire systems, electrical systems and medical gases. This has identified remedial work required within fire and electrical systems prior to occupation and the need for other improvements.
The first part of the NSS review, which was published last month, outlined issues with ventilation and water systems which also need to be resolved.
NHS Lothian has published a response setting out a programme of activity to address the findings in the latest NSS report following an assessment of the work to be completed (see below). A wider action plan bringing together both reports will follow in due course.
Last month, the Health Secretary announced a timeline for the phased move of services to the new RHCYP. The DCN is expected to move in spring 2020, with the rest of the hospital migrating to the new site in autumn next year.
Ms Freeman said: “The safety and well-being of all patients and their families has always been and will remain top priority, and I am truly sorry for any impact the current situation has had on them.
“I’ve written to staff again today to keep them informed of the latest developments and to express my continuing gratitude for their dedication and professionalism. Over the past few months they have continued to provide high-quality clinical services and care in what have been very difficult and disappointing circumstances.
“This second report from NSS has identified remedial and improvement work required within the fire and electrical systems and that will be factored into a wider plan of work being taken forward to ensure safety at the RHCYP and DCN.
“As I set out in Parliament last month, I expect the DCN to move in spring 2020, with the rest of the Children’s Hospital migrating to the new site in autumn next year.”
NHS Lothian has welcomed the latest report. NHS Lothian Chief Executive Tim Davison said: “I’d like to thank NHS NSS for their diligence and commitment in carrying out their assessment so that we can all be assured the building is compliant with national standards and takes account of the very latest thinking on building safety.
“We are pleased there are no new substantive compliance issues here that may affect the timeline. The ventilation system in critical care remains the main issue and we continue to work through the remaining remedial works to ensure DCN can move in in the spring. We are also carefully risk assessing possible further enhancements that can be achieved without affecting the current timeline.
“I would like to pay tribute to our wonderful staff at DCN, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) all of whom have displayed real professionalism and resilience despite their disappointment at the delayed move.
“Just last week staff at DCN and RHSC won high praise following an unannounced inspection by Health Improvement Scotland. In initial verbal feedback the inspection team commended staff for the outstanding patient care they continue to provide, for the cleanliness of the existing facilities and the positive attitudes they found in staff at all levels.”
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