Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns on behalf of her husband (Mr C), who was admitted to Raigmore Hospital (the Hospital) on 4 January 2012 after suffering a seizure. She complains that during his stay, Mr C was not given appropriate care and treatment, nor was he properly assessed for rehabilitation prior to his discharge.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) staff at the Hospital failed to provide Mr C with appropriate care and treatment following admission on 4 January 2012 (upheld); and
- (b) staff at the Hospital failed to assess properly whether Mr C would benefit from rehabilitation on discharge from hospital (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) make a formal apology to Mr and Mrs C for their failures;
- (ii) ensure that the consultant physician (Doctor 2)'s next appraisal includes this case, together with reflection on the Adults with Incapacity legislation and the specific rights of patients with dementia;
- (iii) conduct an audit on Ward 6C, relating to compliance with Adults with Incapacity legislation for patients with dementia, and satisfy themselves that all staff are fully apprised of its implications;
- (iv) formally apologise to Mr and Mrs C for failing to assess Mr C properly prior to his discharge from hospital; and
- (v) (with Mrs C's agreement) assess Mr C thoroughly to establish whether he would benefit from further physiotherapy input and, if he would, the Board arrange this.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.