Patient weighing equipment
Health Boards should ensure that there is appropriate equipment in each ward to weigh all patients. Patients should be weighed on admission and at least weekly thereafter.
- The Scottish Government's response addressed the need for appropriate equipment including weighing equipment, noting investment in NHS estates, assets, facilities, and equipment.
- The Health and Social Care Standards (published June 2017) include Standard 5: 'I experience a high quality environment if the organisation provides the premises,' which encompasses having appropriate equipment available for patient care (Health and Social Care Standards (https://www.gov.scot/publications/health-social-care-standards-support-life/)).
- The requirement to weigh patients on admission and regularly thereafter is embedded in nutritional screening protocols and nursing care standards across NHS Scotland.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSection 3.1 of the Scottish Government's response addresses the need for appropriate equipment by detailing investment in NHS estates, assets, facilities, and equipment. The government has committed over £400 million to improve NHS infrastructure between 2014 and 2016, with additional estimated funding through other models. NHS boards receive formula-based funding allocations for routine maintenance and equipment replacement, which will rise to £157.2 million in 2015/16. This increased allocation allows boards to continue to focus on equipment replacement, such as weighing equipment.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Excellence in Care framework includes nutritional standards requiring patient weighing on admission. CAIR Dashboard monitors nutrition measures including weighing compliance across all boards.
View detailed findings
National nutritional screening and monitoring standards include weighing requirements.