Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns about the care and treatment given to her daughter (Ms A) prior to her death in October 2011.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) staff discharged Ms A from hospital on 12 August 2011 despite her suffering from a wound infection and temperature (not upheld);
- (b) during the period 14 August to 21 September 2011, staff failed to provide an adequate level of care and treatment to Ms A (upheld); and
- (c) during the period 14 August to 21 September 2011, staff failed to ensure that Ms A received an adequate level of fluid and nutrition (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) apologise to Mrs C for their failures with regard to Ms A's care and treatment;
- (ii) bring the findings of this complaint to the attention of the consultant physician concerned for discussion at his next appraisal;
- (iii) apologise for their failure to properly address Ms A's nutritional status and to follow NHS Standards; and,
- (iv) emphasise to appropriate staff the necessity of following existing standards with regard to food and nutrition and to satisfy themselves that these standards are met.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.