Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised a number of issues regarding the treatment and care provided to his late father (Mr A).
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the treatment provided to Mr A was inadequate and this led to him sustaining a chyle leak (not upheld);
- (b) staff continued to replace Mr A's TPN lines despite them continually becoming infected (not upheld);
- (c) staff failed to ensure Mr A received adequate nutrition (not upheld);
- (d) staff failed to clean Mr A's room properly and this led to him becoming infected with MRSA (no finding); and
- (e) staff failed to adequately communicate with Mr A's family (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Highland NHS Board (the Board):
- (i) remind staff of their responsibilities under the MRSA policy and ensure procedures are followed and audited for compliance; and
- (ii) remind staff to ensure a note is placed in the records where the patient has specifically refused the release of clinical information to relatives.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and have explained the action which has taken place since the complaint was raised.