Spire Healthcare’s Shawfair Park and Murrayfield Hospitals in Edinburgh both secure ‘Good’ outcomes from unannounced Healthcare Improvement Scotland inspections

• Both hospitals awarded grades of ‘Good’ for being safe, effective and well-led
• Colleagues know how to raise concerns; regular patient feedback is assessed; both hospitals described as a good places to work

Spire Shawfair Park Hospital, part of Spire Edinburgh Hospitals, has received another ‘Good’ outcome from an unannounced inspection by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) in September. This complements a similar ‘Good’ outcome awarded to Spire Murrayfield Hospital following a previous unannounced HIS inspection visit, in August.

Unannounced HIS inspections of Spire’s Shawfair Park and Murrayfield Hospitals in Edinburgh focused on three key areas: quality of hospital leadership; patients’ experience of their care; and whether the care provided was safe. In its reports, HIS separately rated both hospitals ‘Good’ on all three counts.

At Spire Murrayfield Hospital, inspectors noted that patient experience was regularly assessed, and that the hospitals receive positive patient feedback, with high levels of satisfaction shown especially in patient care, where individual colleagues were named for the high-quality care and attention provided. At Spire Shawfair Park Hospital, inspectors saw how key principles and values were identified in line with Spire’s Purpose, including making sure patients come first and valuing people that are compassionate and committed.

Both the inspectors and patients at Spire Murrayfield Hospital commented on the cleanliness and tidiness of the hospital. Inspectors noted that the care environment and patient equipment were clean, equipment was fit for purpose and regularly maintained. They observed positive interactions between colleagues and patients, with colleagues describing Spire Murrayfield Hospital as a good employer and the hospital as a good place to work.

At Spire Shawfair Park Hospital, HIS inspectors attended the ‘daily huddles’ of hospital departments and theatre staff when staffing levels, theatre lists and safety checks were discussed. Inspectors also learned about Spire Shawfair Park’s ‘freedom to speak up’ system, where colleagues could speak with a nominated freedom-to-speak-up ‘guardian’ in confidence if they had any concerns. Inspectors also heard how the latest patient survey results showed 98% rated their experience as good or very good and that colleagues were undertaking training in British Sign Language.

Spire Shawfair Park Hospital, Edinburgh (pictured)

Across both hospitals, HIS inspectors saw Spire colleagues praise the visibility of the hospital’s leadership and the way colleagues are supported with their development and education and how leaders listen to and value their colleagues.

Spire Shawfair Park and Spire Murrayfield Hospitals in Edinburgh employ over 500 colleagues and partner with 250 consultants. They see around 30,000 patients each year who come to the hospital for a range of treatment ranging from orthopaedics to ophthalmology, through to care for cancer and other critical conditions.

Alison Green, Hospital Director at Spire Shawfair Park Hospital, Edinburgh, said: “Retaining Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s ‘Good’ rating demonstrates our focus and commitment to continue delivering safe, high-quality care to the people of Scotland. The investment we make in our staff, facilities and the latest diagnostic and surgical technology is key to us delivering this commitment.”

Julie Campbell, Hospital Director at Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Edinburgh, said: “I am very pleased that Healthcare Improvement Scotland has agreed that our hospital provides safe, high-quality care to patients and that they highlighted the positive feedback we receive. These results reflect the dedication of all my colleagues who every day live Spire’s Purpose of making a positive difference to people’s lives through outstanding personalised care.”

Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Edinburgh (pictured) 

98% of Spire Healthcare’s inspected hospitals and clinics are rated ‘Good,’ ‘Outstanding’ or the equivalent by health inspectors in Scotland, England and Wales.