Two Scottish hospitals ordered to improve safety after patient suicides

Two Scottish hospitals have been ordered to improve safety measures after patients took their own lives on-site.

The Lorn and Islands Hospital in Oban was issued with an improvement notice by the Health Safety Executive (HSE) for not “reasonably” reducing the risks of patient suicides.

The notice, dated August 15, states that NHS Highland failed to ensure that patients who reported “suicidal ideations” were not exposed to risks to their safety.

The health board has been given until January 2025 to comply.

NHS Lanarkshire was also issued with an improvement notice on August 15 regarding similar issues in one of the mental health wards at the University of Wishaw Hospital.

A notice of improvement was issued by the HSE to Lorn and Islands Hospital in Oban NHS Highland

The health board was given until October 10 to comply.

The HSE has confirmed an investigation into the deaths of the two patients is still underway.

A spokesman for Argyll and Bute HSCP said: “NHS Highland received a Health and Safety Improvement Notice from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in August 2024.

“We work closely with the HSE to continuously improve patient and staff safety and to ensure risks identified are reduced. The safety of both patients and staff is paramount to the continued delivery of high-quality services.

“We have established a working group to advance the improvement of health and safety systems and training practices. This is to ensure that all staff receive the necessary training to provide safe care for vulnerable patients.”

An NHS Lanarkshire spokesperson said: “We are unable to comment on this matter as it is subject to ongoing legal proceedings.”