Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised concerns about the failure by Inverurie Hospital (the Hospital) to admit his wife to a palliative care suite.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) staff failed to communicate effectively with Mrs C's GP prior to transfer (upheld);
- (b) staff made ineffective use of the palliative care suite (not upheld);
- (c) staff failed to communicate effectively with Mrs C's family (no finding); and
- (d) the nursing records failed to comply with the regulations (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) apologises to the family for their communication failures; and
- (ii) provides evidence to show the new documentation tool has been audited to demonstrate that nursing records adhere to minimum standards.