Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns that her husband (Mr C) had not received reasonable care and treatment whilst under the care of Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board (the Board) in early 2007. She was particularly concerned about the arrangements made for her husband to undergo a surgical procedure at another hospital and the administration of medicines to her husband. She also raised concerns about the action the Board took following her complaints about discussions between medical staff and Mr C's family.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the Board's requirement that Mr C attend Gartnavel Hospital at 09:00 on 11 January 2007 for a procedure that did not begin until 11:35 was unreasonable (no finding);
- (b) the Board's administration of steroids to Mr C during his admission in January 2007 was not reasonable (upheld); and
- (c) the Board did not take adequate action in response to Mrs C's complaints about discussions with Mr C's family on 12 January 2007 about his resuscitation (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) apologise to Mr C's family that the dosage of steroids was not increased following either the suspicion of sepsis or the incident of septic shock;
- (ii) take steps to ensure that medical staff are aware of the need to increase the dose of steroids following suspicion of sepsis or incidents of septic shock; and
- (iii) ensure that induction materials for medical staff clearly cover the specific requirements of the Board's resuscitation policy. This would serve to draw inductees' attention to the policy, and, specifically, its application in terms of provision of information to, and discussion with, patients, relatives and carers and provide evidence of this to the Ombudsman.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.