Dr Gray's new transformation board to make hospital the "benchmark"
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AN NHS Grampian Board meeting in Elgin has endorsed the formation of a transformation board for Dr Gray's as the hospital aims to become the "benchmark".
The board, which met Thursday, August 1, and was led by chairwoman Lynda Lynch, supported an approach to redefine what should be delivered for patients in order to maximise the potential of Dr Gray’s.
This will be taken forward by a transformation board to help deliver the changes, after the meeting at Moray College in Elgin.
At the meeting, NHS Grampian board members, along with members of the public and journalists, were invited to go around a series of tables and learn about the importance of each sector of Dr Gray's.
The front door, acuity and elective care hospital units discussed their respective situations individually – with various presentations, statistics and talks shown.
Pam Gowans, executive lead for Dr Gray's and chief officer for Health and Social Care Moray, said the ambition is for Dr Gray’s to become the benchmark for smaller hospitals.
She said: "Our enthusiastic, dedicated staff are willing to embrace change to deliver as much care as we can at the hospital and in communities across Moray.
"Lessons have been learned from the staffing challenges we have faced over the last couple of years. We know we need to get on the front foot if we are avoid those difficulties in the future and that is what these plans are about.
"We also know just how important it is that our community is involved right from the start which is why we will be ensuring that members of the public are represented, along with our staff, as part of the transformation board."
Dr Jamie Hogg, Clinical Director for Dr Gray’s Hospital, said: "This is an exciting step forwards for Dr Gray’s and one that will be welcomed across Moray.
"It’s really clear that the traditional hospital model of completely separate, independent specialities working on their own is not going to be fit for the future of our hospital. Continuing to work in collaboration with our fantastic staff and with the addition of new professionals across the organisation, will help us future proof and maintain a safe and sustainable service for our patients here in Moray."
Moray MP Douglas Ross called said the establishment of the transformation board "a positive move and a welcome endorsement of Dr Gray's".
