Overview
The complainant, Mr C, raised a number of concerns regarding his care and treatment during his admission to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (Hospital 1) for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. At the time, the High Dependency Unit and the Cardiothoracic Ward where Mr C was treated were housed in temporary accommodation, which Mr C considered to be unsuitable. Mr C required further treatment at another hospital, where it was discovered that he had contracted MRSA. Mr C also complained about how his complaint was handled by the Grampian NHS Board (the Board).
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the facilities at Hospital 1 were unsuitable and did not meet minimum standards (not upheld);
- (b) Mr C was not tested for MRSA before discharge and there were no facilities for quickly diagnosing MRSA and isolating MRSA positive patients (not upheld);
- (c) there was a lack of cleanliness, no control over the numbers of visitors and handwashing advice was ignored (not upheld); and
- (d) Mr C's complaints were not handled appropriately (upheld).
Redress and recommendation
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board remind staff dealing with complaints of the need to have regard to the NHS complaints procedure timescales.
The Board have accepted the recommendation and will act on it accordingly.