Overview
The complainants (Mr C and Ms C) raised a number of concerns that Forth Valley NHS Board (the Board) did not properly diagnose potential complications with the twin babies Ms C was carrying, did not provide proper treatment to Ms C and the twin babies when those complications became critical and did not properly handle Mr C and Ms C's subsequent complaint.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that the Board did not:
- (a) provide adequate clinical care to Ms C (not upheld); and
- (b) properly handle Mr C and Ms C's complaints (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) consider including the recording of the depth of the deepest pool of fluid in each amniotic sac as part of their routine record of ultrasound scans; and
- (ii) provide an apology to Mr C and Ms C for the comments during the meeting of 24 February 2006 which were insensitive in the circumstances.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.