Decision Report 201702276

Summary

Miss C complained about the care and treatment her late father (Mr A) had received in Glasgow Royal Infirmary before his death. Mr A had previously been diagnosed with lung cancer, which had been treated with radiotherapy (a  treatment using high-energy radiation). He also had moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a disease of the lungs in which the airways become narrowed), peripheral vascular disease (a common condition, in which a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries restricts blood supply to the leg muscles) and severe heart disease. After his admission to the hospital, Mr A's condition deteriorated over the next week and staff decided that he was not fit enough to undergo further radiotherapy. Mr A died just over a week after being admitted to hospital.

We took independent advice from a consultant in acute medicine. We found that there had not been any failings in Mr A's care and treatment. His oxygen levels had been monitored appropriately and the action taken to diagnose and treat his chest infection were reasonable. It had also been reasonable to give Mr A morphine (pain relief) and to discuss end of life care with him. We did not, therefore, uphold Miss C's complaint.