Western Isles Maternity staff delivering ‘compassionate, person-centred care’

Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) has published its unannounced maternity services inspection report for Western Isles Hospital, which found that staff are delivering compassionate, person‑centred care to women and families, supported by strong multidisciplinary teamwork.

The inspection visit was carried out on 13 and 14 October 2025. The report highlights nine areas of good practice, one recommendation, and 11 requirements.

Inspectors found that midwives, obstetricians and maternity care staff demonstrate a high standard of compassionate, person‑centred care, with women and families describing positive interactions and feeling well supported throughout their maternity journey. Senior midwifery and obstetric leaders were observed to be visible, approachable and actively involved in day‑to‑day care.

Good teamwork, respectful communication and supportive senior leadership were highlighted throughout the report. Staff described feeling able to raise concerns and confident in the support offered by senior managers. Families also reported they would recommend Western Isles maternity services to others, and the maternity unit was found to be clean and well maintained.

The inspection identified several areas where action is required, including bereavement care training, ensuring a clear system is in place on clinical risk assessment for transfers, ensuring all policies are up to date (although inspectors found that all acute policies and procedures were up to date), improving documentation standards, ensuring protected leadership time, and ensuring fire safety training compliance.

NHS Western Isles has produced a detailed Improvement Action Plan setting out measurable actions, timelines and responsibilities. Many actions are already underway or complete.

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, said: “The Health Board welcomes the publication of this very positive report and have taken immediate steps to address the findings of this inspection. We were particularly encouraged to see that inspectors noted that women and families they spoke to were complimentary of the care they received and would be happy to recommend NHS Western Isles maternity services to family and friends.

“We welcome the recognition of our staff's dedication and compassion, and we remain fully committed to delivering the highest standards of safe, person‑centred maternity care for women and families across the Western Isles.”