NHS Grampian has apologised to patients and families after an independent review found failings in leadership, governance and patient safety across the health board.
The Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) Diagnostic Review identified significant shortcomings, including longstanding weaknesses in oversight, clinical governance and how services work together.
Among the findings were unacceptable delays in investigating incidents involving patient care and implementing lessons learned to prevent further harm.
NHS Grampian chief executive Laura Skaife-Knight, who commissioned the independent review, said the findings made for "very tough reading" and pledged to deliver urgent improvements.
She said: “The Healthcare Improvement Scotland Diagnostic Review, which has been published today, has identified serious failings within NHS Grampian. As a Board we own and accept the findings, we apologise to our patients, families and communities for letting them down and we commit to putting things right.
“It must firstly be recognised that every day, thousands of patients receive excellent care from our dedicated staff and teams, as the three Safe Delivery of Care Healthcare Improvement Scotland reports - also published today - remind us.
“That said, the report makes for very tough reading. It describes features of our leadership, governance and culture which are unacceptable and which cannot continue as I take this organisation forward.”
The review examined clinical governance across NHS Grampian, including at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.
Ms Skaife-Knight said the findings highlighted deep-rooted problems that must now be addressed.
She said: “The review has identified significant shortcomings, including longstanding weaknesses in our Board governance and oversight, Clinical Governance and the way services work together in an integrated and supportive fashion across NHS Grampian.
“Most concerning are the unacceptable delays in investigating and implementing learning from incidents involving patient care which can prevent us from making the changes necessary to keep patients safe.”
The health board, which employs around 18,000 staff, has already announced changes to its medical leadership, with an interim Medical Director due to take up the role on November 16.
A dedicated telephone helpline has also been established for patients and families concerned about their care.
Ms Skaife-Knight said: “I know these findings will cause concern to our local community, particularly for patients and families who may have questions about their own care. This is why we've established a dedicated telephone line 08085 202030, available on weekdays 8am-6pm from today, for anyone who has specific concerns and wants to speak to us.”
She pledged that the board would respond with openness and transparency, setting out clear responsibilities for delivering improvements and measuring progress.
“Our focus is now about responding at pace to the feedback and making the improvements needed that are now long overdue.
“We will approach our response to this report with openness and transparency by setting out clearly what needs to change, who is accountable for delivering that change and how progress will be measured so it is clear to everyone whether the changes we are making are delivering for patients and our communities.”
The board will consider immediate actions at its next public meeting on December 3.