Overview
Ms C complained about the care and treatment provided to her brother (Mr A) by the Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen (the Hospital).
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are about:
- (a) Mr A's loss of weight was not dealt with appropriately (upheld);
- (b) the response to Mr A's falls was poor (upheld);
- (c) poor communication between staff and relatives (not upheld); and
- (d) poor hygiene (no finding).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) review how eating and drinking/weight problems are dealt with in the Hospital and take action to ensure that a plan is drawn up and implemented in each relevant case;
- (ii) review care planning in the Hospital;
- (iii) implement their new policy on patient falls if they have not already done so;
- (iv) develop and implement a policy on the use of restraints at the Hospital in line with Mental Welfare Commission Guidelines; and
- (v) take steps to ensure that the guidelines on pressure ulcer prevention are followed in the Hospital.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and are acting on them accordingly.