An independent review of the Emergency Department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital was commissioned by NHS Forth Valley’s Chief Executive Cathie Cowan after a number of concerns were raised by staff representatives.

The review looked at teamworking, leadership, learning and quality as well as gathering feedback from local staff. It made a number of recommendations in relation to workforce, clinical, corporate and staff governance. These include strengthening leadership and reviewing department staffing as well as improving relationships, information sharing, staff engagement and partnership working.

Cathie Cowan, NHS Forth Valley’s Chief Executive, said: “We have a duty to ensure the health and wellbeing of local staff as well as the patients they look after. It is important that any concerns raised by staff or their representatives are taken very seriously and fully explored in a fair and open way. That is why as soon as these concerns were raised, I asked a team of experienced external healthcare professionals to carry out an independent review of the culture and governance arrangements within our Emergency Department.

“I would like to personally thank all of the staff who participated in the review process for sharing their experiences, providing feedback and, in many cases, putting forward their own ideas and suggestions for improvements.”

A number of wider governance-related issues were also highlighted during the review, many of which are already being addressed. Others relate to work which was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic and are now being implemented as part of local remobilisation plans.

A new sub-committee, led by NHS Forth Valley Chair Janie McCusker, has been set up to oversee the review recommendations and both the Chief Executive and the Chair have been meeting with staff to discuss the review recommendations and identify any additional actions or improvements they would like to see within the department.