INSPECTORS say urgent improvements must be made in the care of elderly people at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

A new report by Healthcare Improvement Scotland has asked health bosses to make changes in 14 areas ‘as a matter of priority’.

Auditors criticised monitoring, record-keeping and documentation of care — including the use of ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ forms which were completed inconsistently.

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil, convener of the Health Committee at Holyrood, is seeking a meeting with CHCP director Brian Moore over the report’s findings. He told the Telegraph: “These reports on the care of the elderly in hospitals were initiated by my committee in 2011 by the cabinet secretary.

“We had inspections in care homes and other types of facilities, particularly to deal with cognitive impairment and the treatment of older people in terms of nutrition and hydration.

“These are significant recommendations. I want to discuss the report with Brian — there are issues to be accepted and acted upon.

“We need to have a discussion in how they will respond to these recommendations to reassure the community and how we can improve and build on the positives that have been identified such as a caring environment, but there are some worrying aspects to it.” The sensitive issue of deciding not to resuscitate patients is not always discussed with patients and their families if it will cause distress.

But during their visit in August, auditors found that it wasn’t clear from information recorded on some of the forms if the matter had or hadn’t been discussed with relatives.

They also found patients’ intake of food and fluids was not accurately recorded or monitored and there was a lack of information on the personalised care plans outlining the individual needs of older people.

They also noted poor awareness and a lack of understanding among staff of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000, which protects the rights of patients who lack capacity. But inspectors praised patient care, which was carried out in a way which maintained patient dignity and was compassionate and respectful. Psychiatric liaison services specifically for older people were also commended.

Inspectors found that meals were well managed and activities were provided for patients.

Mr McNeil said: “In some ways there were positives, such as the personal relationships between staff and patients.

“All of those questioned said the quality of care was good, although 24 per cent had issues about information about their treatment and also patients said they want to be more involved in decisions and get to see consultants.” Rosslyn Crocket, board nurse director, said: “We are pleased to note that the inspection team observed patients being cared for with dignity and respect by staff providing friendly and polite interactions with the patients.

“This was reinforced by the views of most of the patients and family members interviewed who spoke positively about the quality of care received.

“However, I am extremely disappointed that in a number of areas, particularly record keeping and care planning, we are still falling short of the standards expected.

“To address the improvements highlighted in the report we have developed a comprehensive action plan which is being monitored closely to ensure full implementation.”