Overview
The complainant (Ms C) raised a concern that undue pressure was put on her to take prophylactic antibiotics during her labour by staff at the Southern General Hospital.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that Ms C was unreasonably bullied into taking prophylactic antibiotics (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board (the Board):
- (i) bring this report to the attention of relevant staff including the second registrar to ensure lessons are learned and highlight the relevant guidelines and guidance on group B streptococcus and consent;
- (ii) review the guidance on group B streptococcus to clarify the limited circumstances where a child protection order should be considered;
- (iii) consider a multi-disciplinary approach involving obstetricians and paediatricians when a patient refuses treatment in similar situations; and
- (iv) apologise to Ms C.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.