Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) complained on behalf of her mother (Mrs A) to Grampian NHS Board (the Board) about the care and treatment her father (Mr A) received while a patient in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (the Hospital) from 5 August to 23 September 2012. Mr A had been admitted to the Hospital's Acute Stroke Unit after suffering a stroke at home. Mr A died in the Hospital on 23 September 2012.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- Mr A's medical care in the Hospital from 5 August to 23 September 2012 fell below a reasonable standard (upheld); and
- Mr A's nursing care in the Hospital from 5 August to 23 September 2012 fell below a reasonable standard (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- draw this report to the attention of all senior medical staff involved in Mr A's care;
- take steps to put in place an action plan to address the failings identified in this report;
- ensure that staff document relevant discussions they have with a patient's family or their carer;
- act upon the comments of Adviser 1 in relation to the introduction of a policy on the certification of a patient's death;
- draw to the attention of relevant staff, the importance of providing evidenced based complaints responses;
- share with relevant nursing staff the comments of Adviser 2 with regard to maintaining a patient's dignity;
- draw to the attention of relevant staff, Adviser 2's concerns about the Board's rationale for removing Mr A's pyjama bottoms; and
- apologise to Mrs A and her family for the failings identified in complaints (a) and (b).
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.