Overview
The complainant (Miss C) raised a number of concerns about the treatment she received at the Victoria Infirmary, Glasgow (the Hospital) in July 2005 following an operation to remove her appendix. The complainant was concerned that the management of the wound was poor and that staff had not told her that her appendix had been gangrenous and the wound was at risk of infection. She also complained there was a failure to inform the thyroid clinic of the result of a blood test and that her antithyroid medication had been increased.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) there was poor wound management and communication (not upheld); and
- (b) staff failed to advise the thyroid clinic of the result of a blood test and that antithyroid medication had been increased (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board gives consideration to providing telephone or electronic updates to out-patient clinics when discharge letters for in-patient stays will not be ready prior to the next out-patient appointment.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.