Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns about the care and treatment provided by Western Isles NHS Board (the Board) to her and her daughter (Baby C) before, during and after labour over 29 and 30 April 2007.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that the Board:
- (a) did not provide adequate care to Mrs C before and during labour (upheld);
- (b) did not provide adequate care to Mrs C after delivery (not upheld); and
- (c) did not provide adequate care to Baby C after delivery (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) apologise to Mrs C for the failure to provide adequate care to her before and during labour;
- (ii) reviews the guidelines for the use of electronic fetal monitoring to ensure that they are appropriate; and
- (iii) ensures that clinical staff take note of the findings of this report and make any necessary adjustments to clinical practice accordingly.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.