SIGNIFICANT assurance that systems are in place to protect patient safety and quality of care have been provided to NHS Dumfries and Galloway Board.
An update from the Healthcare Governance Committee on Monday highlighted its role overseeing clinical governance, risk management and patient safety, and confirmed that appropriate arrangements are in place to identify issues early and provide constructive challenge where required.
Chair of the Healthcare Governance Committee Marsali Caig said the update reflects the breadth of work underway to maintain safe, effective and person-centred care across the region.
Ms Caig said: “The Committee provides a vital mechanism for assurance, challenge and escalation.
“Despite sustained pressure across services, there is clear evidence that patient safety and quality remain at the heart of decision-making.”
Board members were told that the Committee reviewed a wide range of issues at its January meeting, including healthcare quality, infection prevention and control, patient experience, adverse incidents, public protection and performance.
The Healthcare Quality Report was presented using the Vincent Framework, providing a structured approach to monitoring safety and reliability of care.
It was noted that NHS Dumfries and Galloway was among the first health boards in Scotland to activate influenza surge arrangements ahead of national guidance, receiving positive recognition from Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection Scotland.
The Committee also recognised the significant operational pressures being experienced across acute services, including the need at times to care for patients in areas outwith Emergency Department beds due to demand and capacity. Members agreed to take a closer look at whether all available mitigations are in place and whether further improvements can be made to support safe and dignified care in these circumstances.
Members were advised that more detailed data will be available in future to better inform quality and safety assurance in relation to care delivered in unscheduled clinical areas, strengthening the committee’s ability to monitor risk and provide oversight.
Updates were also provided on patient safety within acute, diagnostic and mental health services. While delayed discharges continue to place pressure on services, work is underway to review service models and strengthen discharge arrangements in partnership with social care.
The committee received strong assurance on progress against the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Standards, with sustained and improving performance reported and full implementation on track by March 2026.
Encouraging progress was also reported within neonatal services, where staffing resilience is improving. Fourteen staff are now qualified in specialty practice, leadership capacity has strengthened, and reliance on agency staff has reduced, supporting greater continuity of care.
Members discussed learning from whistleblowing incidents and the NHS response to the Infected Blood Inquiry, noting that while many recommendations sit outwith the Board’s remit, all relevant actions have been considered and addressed locally.
The committee also reviewed the Women’s Rights Network report on hospital safety, receiving assurance that robust systems are in place for reporting and escalating concerns, with further engagement planned with staff networks.
The Board was advised that pressures across the system remain significant, but that ongoing scrutiny, staff commitment and strengthening governance arrangements continue to underpin safe patient care across Dumfries and Galloway.