A pair of health unions representing NHS staff say the recent report into the state of the hospital have backed up long-held concerns raised by members for some time.
The Healthcare Improvement Scotland report, published earlier this week, found some staff were left “tearful” on the wards and have been left concerned about trying to provide safe care for patients in the wake of extreme pressure at the hospital.
Karren Morrison, branch secretary of UNISON’s Forth Valley Health branch, said UNISON is “concerned but not surprised” by the findings.
She added: “Trade unions and staff have been raising concerns about these issues for some time. UNISON reps are supporting front line staff on a daily basis and we cannot overestimate the impact the current working conditions are having on the health and well-being of staff.
“Our staff are incredibly resilient, caring and hardworking, they rarely complain about not getting a break or leaving late from a shift. But what they cannot bear is being unable to provide the high level of care that patients deserve because of the pressure on the service here.
“UNISON Forth Valley Health branch welcomes the Scottish Government’s intervention and are keen to work closely with the intervention team and the local leadership to improve conditions across Forth Valley for both patients and staff.”
It's a view backed by the Royal College of Nurses in Scotland, who said it would be working to ensure staff were listened to as NHS Forth Valley worked to make the necessary improvements.
Senior RCN Officer, Bob McGlashan said: “The report by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, sadly does not come as a surprise. The Royal College of Nursing has been raising serious concerns, including unsafe practices, pressures on staff and cultural issues at Forth Valley Royal Hospital for some time now.
“Staff across Scotland’s NHS and social care services are working under incredible pressure. Staff shortages are impacting on patient care and on the wellbeing of staff.
“Healthcare Improvement Scotland has set out a number of requirements to met as matter if priority. The RCN will be working with our members to ensure that staff are listened to and supported as NHS Forth Valley acts to address these requirements.”
In response to the report, NHS Forth Valley chief executive Cathie Cowan apologised to patients who received care which "fell below the high standards we aim to provide".
An NHS Forth Valley spokeswoman added that 'dedicated support' had been put in place to capture feedback from patients and staff to any potential problems.
