Decision Report 201900038

Summary

C complained about the care and treatment provided to their child (A). A was treated with intravenous immunoglobin (antibodies) because it was suspected they had an immune-related movement disorder. The focus of C's complaint was about the decision to stop this treatment as they considered it was of benefit to A.

During our investigation we noted that the decision to start and stop this treatment was made by a doctor under a different health board. The treatment plan was commenced at the other board and moved to Fife NHS board because it was more convenient for A and their family to attend. We were therefore unable to comment on whether or not it was reasonable to stop this treatment, as the decision was not made by the board subject to the complaint. In relation to the treatment carried out at Fife NHS board, we found that the infusions of immunoglobin were administered by the board in accordance with the plan that was put in place by clinicians under the other board. We did not uphold this complaint.

We provided feedback to the board in relation to their complaints handling. As this complaint focussed on the decisions made about treatment, it would have been helpful to C and this office if this had been clarified at an early stage so that the correct focus of the investigation (a different board) could have been identified earlier.