Grampian NHS Board

Case ref: 202310423

NHS Organisation: Grampian NHS Board

Subject: Patient Safety/Handling of whistleblowing concern

Date: February 2025

This is the report of the Independent National Whistleblowing Officer’s (INWO’s) investigation of a whistleblowing complaint about patient safety and the handling of a whistleblowing concern. It is published in terms of section 15(1) of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 which sets out the INWO’s role and powers. There is more information about this here: https://inwo.spso.org.uk/ 

Supported by the confidential appendices, it is a full and fair summary of the investigation.

Executive summary 

1. The complainant (C) complained to the INWO about Grampian NHS Board (the Board). C raised concerns about the lack of service planning, compliance with National Service Standards and the relocation of the service’s advice line. These concerns were investigated under the National Whistleblowing Standards. However, C was dissatisfied with the Board’s response and complained to the INWO.
2. The complaint I have investigated is: 
   1. the Board failed to adequately plan for a specific service at Dr Gray’s Hospital. (upheld)
   2. the Board failed to ensure the service was being delivered in line with National Service Standards. (upheld)
   3. the Board failed to ensure an adequate advice line service for patients using the specific service at Dr Gray’s Hospital. (upheld)
3. As a result of my findings, the Board have been asked to implement a number of recommendations, and to consider and reflect on other feedback.