Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised a number of concerns about the care and treatment provided to his wife (Mrs C) in the weeks leading up to her death in June 2006.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that Highland NHS Board (the Board) failed to:
- (a) obtain properly informed consent for an operation (upheld);
- (a) manage a 'Do Not Attempt Resuscitation' order properly (upheld); and
- (b) provide reasonable care and treatment to Mrs C from 2004 onwards (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) undertake an audit of operative consent and reflect if further action is needed in light of the results of the audit; and
- (ii) undertake an audit of the use of 'Do Not Attempt Resuscitation' orders and reflect if further action is needed in light of the results of the audit.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.