Overview
The complainant (Ms C), who was aged 33, was admitted to the Southern General Hospital in the area of Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board (the Board) in September 2007 and October 2007 with possible cauda equina syndrome (CES). She complained that the decision not to operate near the start of the first admission seriously compromised her condition and that, despite ongoing symptoms and inability to manage her daily life, her discharge home did not include adequate follow-up support.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that surgery should have been done near the start of the first hospital admission, there was inadequate communication with Ms C about the nature and outcome of her condition and the after-discharge support was inadequate (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) apologise to Ms C for not having operated earlier;
- (ii) reflect on this report's conclusions and take appropriate action in respect of each;
- (iii) satisfy themselves that the consultant in question has an appropriate understanding of CES; and
- (iv) update the Ombudsman's office on the main audit findings and main plans regarding after-discharge support.