Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised a number of concerns about the care and treatment provided to his late mother (Mrs A) at the Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline (the Hospital) between 26 March 2006 and her death there on 21 May 2006.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that Fife NHS Board:
- (a) failed to provide appropriate care and treatment to Mrs A (not upheld);
- (b) failed to ensure adequate communication with Mrs A and her family about Mrs A's condition and treatment (not upheld); and
- (c) failed to adequately respond to Mr C's complaints (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that Fife NHS Board use the events of this case, in particular the differing perceptions of staff and family about these events, in staff training to consider how communication in these circumstances might be improved for the future.
The Board have accepted the Recommendation and will act on it accordingly.