Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns about the care and treatment of her late husband (Mr C) and the handling of his complaint about that care and treatment by Lothian NHS Board (the Board).
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) Mr C was prematurely discharged from the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (Hospital 1) on 16 September 2005 (upheld);
- (b) the Board failed to provide Mr C with appropriate and timely care and treatment between 27 September 2005 and 6 October 2005 (upheld); and
- (c) the Board failed to make an adequate response to Mrs C's complaint (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) inform her of progress towards achieving the objectives set out in paragraph 16 of this Report; and
- (ii) make a written apology to Mrs C for the failure to maintain proper records and the additional distress this has caused to Mr C's family in pursuing this matter.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and agreed to act on them accordingly.