Decision Report 202002559

Summary

C's parent (A) was admitted to Raigmore Hospital following a fall at home. A was diagnosed with delirium. After six weeks on the ward, A was discharged home with a package of care. A required readmission shortly after discharge and their condition deteriorated further. C complained that A's food and fluid intake were inadequately monitored during this period. C complained that the concerns they raised about their parent's physical and mental health were ignored.

C also complained about the hospital discharge process. C held Power of Attorney (POA) in respect of A and complained that the board did not have due regard to that. C complained that the board did not appropriately involve them in planning for A's discharge.

We took independent nursing advice. Although we were critical of aspects of the board's communication with A's family, we noted that on the whole, A's care and treatment were of a reasonable standard. We therefore, did not uphold the complaint. We were critical of the board for their delay in referring A to a dietitian, but we noted that the board had apologised for this and confirmed learning.

We considered that A's family could have been involved at an earlier stage when plans were being made for discharge. Overall, however, we noted that the discharge planning was reasonable, involving appropriate assessments and discussion with C. We did not uphold this complaint.