Media release: Inspection Report Ayrshire Maternity Unit, University Hospital Crosshouse
Healthcare Improvement Scotland today (Wednesday 4 February) published a report relating to an unannounced inspection visit to Ayrshire Maternity Unit, University Hospital Crosshouse, NHS Ayrshire & Arran. The inspection took place between 08–09 October 2025.
As a result of concerns raised during our inspection, on Monday 27 October 2025 we carried out an unannounced return visit to Ayrshire Maternity Unit to ensure concerns we raised during our initial onsite inspection had been addressed.
Speaking of the report, Donna Maclean, Chief Inspector, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said:
“During this inspection we observed cohesive team working in all areas inspected. Maternity staff we spoke with described positive working relations between midwifery, obstetric, anaesthetic and the health care support team. Staff described feeling supported to escalate staffing issues and concerns to their senior charge midwife.
“Despite the pressures on maternity services at the time of inspection, women and their babies were receiving a good standard of care, and families consistently expressed positive views regarding the care provided.
“However, we raised concerns regarding potential delays to care for women accessing maternity triage and potential gaps in incident reporting, which may impact on the learning from adverse events and reducing opportunities to improve safety. We also raised concerns regarding fire safety.”
Chief Inspector, Healthcare Improvement Scotland
This inspection resulted in 10 areas of good practice, two recommendations and 16 requirements.
An improvement action plan has been developed by NHS Ayrshire & Arran in order to meet the requirements.
The full inspection report is available to view at: https://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.scot/publications/university-hospital-crosshouse-maternity-safe-delivery-of-care-inspection-october-2025/
Ends
Notes to editor
This report is part of Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s programme of inspections and reviews.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland is the national improvement agency for health and care in Scotland. We provide independent assurance of the quality and safety of the care provided by Scotland’s health and care system and measure how outcomes for people are improving and inequalities reducing. With partner organisations, we will consider how services are working together as an integrated system to implement improvements.