NHS Grampian has suspended all planned paediatric surgery at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin after concerns were raised about the quality and safety of care for children.
The health board said emergency paediatric surgery had already been paused in June, with some exceptions, after concerns were identified about surgical services.
It has now extended the suspension to include all planned procedures, including elective dental and ear, nose and throat (ENT) operations.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) carried out an unannounced inspection at the hospital in April and later raised concerns about paediatric care.
Dr Hugh Farrow-Bishop, NHS Grampian medical director, said the regulator had sought assurances about the number of available staff at the hospital with advanced paediatric life support training.
He said the health board had reviewed staffing rotas and existing procedures and introduced changes to ensure appropriately trained staff were available on site in the event of emergencies.
Training records have also been checked, with refresher training being arranged where required.
