Following a damning report on Wishaw General by Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Motherwell and Wishaw MSP John Pentland has met Health Board representatives to discuss widespread public concern about issues raised by the report.

The report revealed that inspectors intervened to help patients when they made an unannounced follow-up inspection in June, following an initial announced inspection in May. Incidents included two cases where patients needed more help with meals, and concerns about long intervals between evening and morning meals.

“Lanarkshire NHS assured me that they have taken on board the criticisms made, Changes have already been made in the running of the particular areas highlighted, and an action plan is being formulated to ensure that there is no repetition of the problems in those areas or anywhere else in Lanarkshire NHS.

“I have tabled parliamentary questions about the NHS guidelines on these issues. We need to ensure that it is clear to everyone involved – staff, patients and the public – what is expected of the NHS in these circumstances.”