Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns regarding the treatment that her father (Mr A) received from staff at Ninewells Hospital (the Hospital). She complained that, for a five day period following admission to the Hospital, her father was neglected by nursing staff, his condition left unmonitored and incorrect assumptions made regarding his mental state. Mrs C felt that inattention and poor record-keeping by staff of Tayside NHS Board (the Board) contributed to a deterioration in Mr A's condition, and to his death.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that the Board:
(a) incorrectly assumed that Mr A had dementia (not upheld);
(b) failed to treat Mr A appropriately for a five day period following his admission to the Hospital (upheld); and
(c) failed to appropriately monitor Mr A's fluid intake (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
(i) review their progress against the action plan and provide an updated version of the document;
(ii) provide details of the steps that they have taken to implement the Scottish Government's new Food, Fluid and Nutrition programme;
(iii) provide details of the steps that they have taken to achieve the Scottish Government's new Clinical Quality Indicators for Food, Fluid and Nutrition; and
(iv) formally apologise to Mrs C and her family for the distress and anxiety caused to them and Mr A during his stay at the Hospital.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.