Decision Report 201405118

Summary

Mrs C's husband (Mr C) was admitted to Perth Royal Infirmary and treated for pneumonia. His condition did not improve whilst in hospital and he died seven days after being admitted.

Mrs C raised a number of specific complaints about the medical and nursing treatment her husband received at the hospital. In particular, she felt that his medication was not managed appropriately and that she was left to take care of many of his basic personal care needs.

We took independent advice from two advisers, one a consultant geriatrician and the other a nurse. Whilst we were critical of the board for failing to ensure Mr C's teeth were cleaned regularly and for initially denying Mrs C access to the ward outside of normal visiting times, we were generally satisfied that the medical and nursing care was of a good standard.