Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns that sub-standard ultrasound equipment or human error meant that a pregnancy she conceived during her fifth cycle of Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI) treatment was not detected. Mrs C complained that this resulted in the pregnancy being destroyed during the sixth cycle of IUI treatment.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) it was unreasonable that Mrs C's pregnancy was not detected on 30 and 31 August 2011 (not upheld);
- (b) the scanning equipment used on 30 and 31 August 2011 was not of a reasonable standard (upheld); and
- (c) it was inappropriate that no record was made of the irregular pain and discomfort Mrs C experienced during the procedure carried out on 1 September 2011 (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that Lanarkshire NHS Board:
- (i) issue a written apology for the failing identified; and
- (ii) review the IUI recording form to incorporate space for recording symptoms reported by the patient.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.