Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns about the nursing care her late mother, Mrs A, received at Ayr Hospital and Biggart Hospital between October 2004 and February 2005 regarding pressure sores (heel) her mother developed. She also complained that staff failed to keep the family informed of Mrs A's condition.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the management of Mrs A's pressure sores was inadequate (upheld); and
- (b) staff communication with Mrs A's family was poor (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) provide evidence that the implementation of improvements in the prevention of pressure ulcers has resulted in an increase in standards. This should include: information relating to the monitoring of standards of pressure ulcer prevention; the role of the senior nursing and specialist nursing staff in the monitoring process; and details of the provision of training and support for staff in making decisions about choices of pressure-relieving equipment and appropriate dressing materials; and
- (ii) provide evidence to demonstrate that changes in communication strategies for carers had resulted in improved care.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.