Hospital told to improve safety probes a decade after baby deaths
A hospital in East Ayrshire has been ordered to improve the way it handles patient safety incidents in its maternity unit, almost 10 years after it was the centre of an investigation into baby deaths.
The report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) made 16 requirements for improvement at the unit in Crosshouse University Hospital, near Kilmarnock, including for delays women faced when they contacted the triage unit.
It said some staff were reluctant to report patient safety events, and reviews into incidents took too long to the detriment of families.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran said it is committed to ensuring patients receive safe and dignified care at all times.
In 2016, a review was ordered into failures of care at the hospital after BBC Scotland News revealed there had been six "unnecessary" baby deaths at the hospital. NHS Ayrshire and Arran was told to improve the way it investigated adverse events.
Last year, the Scottish government said it would carry out a national review of maternity care after another BBC investigation revealed ongoing safety concerns across several maternity units.
In total, the latest report made two recommendations and 16 requirements.
Other areas for improvement include flushing of infrequently used water outlets and improvements in the cleanliness of patient equipment.
The HIS report also highlighted 10 areas of good practice including "positive and respectful" interactions between staff and women, families and babies and that staff felt well supported in an under-pressure environment.
Source: BBC News, 4 February 2026