Investigation Report 200503633

  • Report no:
    200503633
  • Date:
    June 2007
  • Body:
    Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board
  • Sector:
    Health

Overview

The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns about the treatment her husband (Mr C) received at Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock in February 2005.  In particular she was concerned that there was a delay by staff in reaching a diagnosis and that medication which was administered was not written in the medical records.  Mrs C also complained about the way her complaint was handled.

Specific complaints and conclusions

The complaints which have been investigated are that:

  • (a)  there was a delay in reaching a diagnosis (not upheld);
  • (b)  staff failed to record when medication was administered to Mr C (not upheld); and
  • (c)  there was inadequate complaints handling (upheld).

Redress and recommendations

The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:

  • (i)  bring to the attention of staff the comments made by Adviser 1 in regard to the failure to recognise the decrease in Mr C's kidney function from 17 February 2005 and the monitoring of his Gentamicin levels;
  • (ii)  conduct an audit of the nursing records for Ward 3A to ascertain if they are in accordance with the standards as set out by the Nursing and Midwifery Council; and
  • (iii)  conduct a review of their complaints procedure to ensure that staff are acting in accordance with the National Guidance.

The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly

Updated: December 11, 2018