Overview
The complainant raised a number of concerns that, following his stroke, a hospital did not assess his vision properly, did not carry out a carotid artery scan properly, did not communicate adequately with him and did not arrange his further care at a more local location.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are:
- (a) assessment of vision (upheld);
- (b) carotid artery scan (not upheld);
- (c) communication (not upheld); and
- (d) rehabilitation location (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends to the Board that patients with neurological conditions, when initially assessed, should receive a full neurological examination, including the bedside assessment of visual fields. If investigations point to a specific area of brain damage, the medical team should ensure that the appropriate clinical examination has been performed. She also recommends that the Board apologise in respect of complaint (a).