Decision Report 201903410

Summary

C complained to us about the care and treatment their spouse (A) received at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital. A was referred to the hospital after being diagnosed with aortic stenosis (where a valve has narrowed and is restricting blood flow).

We took independent advice from advisers both in cardiology (studies of diseases and abnormalities of the heart) and in cardiology nursing.

C raised concern that A's angiogram (a type of x-ray that uses dye to look at blood vessels) was not carried out reasonably, including the aftercare. We found that A's angiogram was carried out in a reasonable manner and the aftercare was appropriate. We did not uphold this aspect of C's complaint.

C also raised concern about an unreasonable delay in arranging A's heart surgery. We found that the hospital carried out appropriate tests to decide whether to list A for heart surgery. We also found that the hospital's decision not to proceed with heart surgery was reasonable, due to the risks involved from A's other health conditions. We did not uphold this aspect of the complaint.