Overview
The complainant (Mr C) and his sister raised a number of concerns about the care and treatment provided to their sister (Ms A) by Mental Health Services within Ailsa Hospital (Hospital 1), Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board (the Board) in February 2006. Ms A sustained a major spinal injury as a result of a fall from a window after her discharge from Ayr Hospital (Hospital 2) on 14 February 2006. Ms A never recovered, her condition deteriorated and she died in January 2007. Following the submission of Mr C's complaint to the Ombudsman's office the Board undertook a further review of Mr C's concerns and at a meeting with Mr C a number of issues were explained and apologies given for the failings in communication with Ms A's family which had been identified. Mr C was satisfied with much of this but remain concerned about the treatment provided to his sister. These are the issues investigated in this report.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
(a) Ms A's treatment at Hospital 1 during January and February 2006 was ineffective and she was discharged inappropriately (not upheld); and
(b) Ms A was treated and discharged inappropriately from Hospital 2 following her attendances at the Accident and Emergency Department on 10 and 13 February 2006 (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
Because of the action already taken by the Board to address failures in communication since the complaint was submitted to the Ombudsman's office, the Ombudsman has no recommendations to make.