Decision Report 202405861

Summary

C complained about the care and treatment provided to their infant child (A) who was born with a terminal genetic condition. A's family had open access to the children's ward, allowing them to seek medical advice or assistance when needed.

C brought A to the ward as they were unwell. After assessment, A was discharged with advice to return if their condition changed. A's condition deteriorated and they were taken to A&E the next day. When staff were unable to obtain intravenous access (when a needle is inserted into a vein), an intraosseous needle was used (a needle that goes directly into the bone). A complication occurred during the procedure and A was transferred to another health board for specialist care where there were further major complications.

C felt that treatment would have started sooner if A had remained in hospital, avoiding the need for the intraosseous infusion and the subsequent complication. We took independent advice from a consultant paediatrician (specialist in children's medical care). We found that A received a reasonable standard of care and treatment and that the harm that occurred was a recognised complication of the procedure.

We welcomed the board’s review of the case and noted that it had contributed to important learning in relation to the care of children with complex medical needs.

We did not uphold C's complaint.