Media release: Maternity Inspection report Balfour Hospital, NHS Orkney

“During our inspection we observed staff providing compassionate, responsive and person-centred care to women and their families.

“We observed good teamwork throughout the inspection and senior midwifery and obstetric leadership teams were visible and respectful.

“Staff described being supported by senior managers and felt able to raise concerns. Staff were actively engaged with their own learning and development, and plans were in place to ensure they all complete their mandatory training.

“During the inspection some areas of improvement were identified including the improved oversight and governance of the review of policies, guidelines and procedures. Further improvements are required to ensure timescales of adverse events are achieved.

“NHS Orkney must also ensure that clinical leaders have protected time to lead to fulfil their leadership roles.”

“In response to Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s Neonatal Mortality Review in 2024, we made a commitment to expanding our Safe Delivery of Care inspection approach to include inpatient maternity services. The maternity inspections will provide women, and families with an assessment of the quality of care provided by their local maternity service and an independent review of any required improvements.

“The Healthcare Improvement Scotland Maternity Care Standards, published on 23 March 2026, set out national expectations for the delivery of safe, effective and person‑centred maternity care across all settings, including midwifery units, community and home settings, hospitals, primary care and prisons. All health boards have been formally advised that the Maternity Care Standards will be incorporated into maternity inspections from Monday, 21 September 2026 onwards.”