Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns about the care and treatment of her mother (Mrs A). Mrs A was resident in a care home and two Doctors (Doctor 1 and Doctor 2) from Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board (the Board) had visited her in the final hours of her life.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that the Board's care and treatment of Mrs A in the final hours of her life was not reasonable (partially upheld to the extent that some aspects of Mrs A's care and treatment were not reasonable).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
(i) encourage Doctor 1 to reflect on the case at their next appraisal, with particular reference to: assessment of unfamiliar patients as part of the Ayrshire Doctors On Call team; the factors to be considered in reaching a decision on the admission to hospital of frail elderly patients; the discussion and recording of admission criteria with carers and relatives; and the dosage of antibiotics in relation to Scottish Intercollegiate Guidance Network guidance; and
(ii) encourage Doctor 2 to reflect on the case at their next appraisal, with particular reference to: the discussion and recording of terminal diagnoses with carers and relatives; andthe use of symptomatic measures in terminal care.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.