Overview
The complainant Ms C raised a complaint that, as a result of substandard care at Raigmore Hospital, she developed a large pressure sore during a period of recuperation following an operation.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that Highland NHS Board (the Board) failed to prevent a pressure sore developing following Ms C's operation on 4 October 2010 (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) provide the Ombudsman with evidence of current audit and monitoring in relation to pressure sore prevention and treatment. This should include relevant national initiatives, Clinical Quality Indicators and patient safety data;
- (ii) provide the Ombudsman with the current education and training programmes for the prevention and management of pressure sores;
- (iii) draw the report to the attention of nursing staff involved in Ms C's care; and
- (iv) provide a full apology to Ms C for the failures identified within this report.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.