Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised a number of concerns about the response he received from Greater Glasgow Health Board (the Board) following an investigation by the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland into the care and treatment which his late son (Mr A) received at Gartnavel Hospital, Glasgow (the Hospital).
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the level of medical supervision for the senior house officer who decided on Mr A's mental health state and supervision status during the period 15 March 2001 to 21 March 2001 was inadequate (upheld);
- (b) the Board's response that a care plan was agreed by all staff was incorrect (upheld);
- (c) the charge nurse failed to act on an instruction in Mr A's medical notes that he was not allowed to leave the ward unless accompanied by members of staff (upheld); and
- (d) the Board have not accepted responsibility for failing in its duty of care or offered an appropriate apology (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) give consideration to amending the risk assessment tool to include issues such as impulsivity or when the patient's state of mind is unknown; and
- (ii) offer Mr and Mrs C a full apology for the failings in care which have been identified in this report. The Ombudsman draws the Board's attention to the SPSO guidance note on 'apology' (which sets out what is meant and what is required for a meaningful apology).