Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised a number of concerns regarding the treatment his late father (Mr A) received during his admission to Ninewells Hospital (the Hospital). Mr C feels that Tayside NHS Board (the Board) failed to assess Mr A's creatine kinase (CK) level early enough and that the treatment he received for high potassium levels fell short of what could be reasonably expected. Mr C believes that the Board's failure to treat Mr A appropriately resulted in his premature death.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) there was a delay in testing CK level (upheld); and
- (b) the Board failed to treat Mr A's elevated potassium levels appropriately (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) ensures patients with new and significant muscular weakness, as was found in this case, who are taking statins, should have their CK level checked on admission;
- (ii) the Board issue an apology to the family of Mr A and accept that there was a failure to provide urgent medical treatment;
- (iii) the Board evaluate existing policy in relation to the usage of 12 lead electrocardiograms when determining cardiac risks and provide Mr C and the Ombudsman with the evidence and outcome of this review; and
- (iv) the Board apologise to the complainant and review the way this complaint was handled to see if there are any lessons to be learned for the future handling of complaints.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.