Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised a number of concerns about the care and treatment given to his wife (Mrs C), after she was admitted as a voluntary patient to Crathes Ward (Ward 1) of the Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen (the Hospital). He said that although she was experiencing suicidal thoughts, the means by which she could attempt to end her life were not removed from her. He was also concerned that she was not placed under an appropriate level of observation and that she did not receive her required medication.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that the Hospital staff:
- (a) failed timeously to remove Mrs C's personal belongings for safe keeping (upheld);
- (b) failed to keep Mrs C under an appropriate level of observation (upheld); and
- (c) failed to ensure that Mrs C had an adequate supply of medication (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that Grampian NHS Board:
- emphasise to staff on Ward 1 that when suicidal intent has been indicated, they must take action to mitigate the risk;
- ensure that action in this regard should be properly documented and timed;
- make a formal apology to Mr and Mrs C for their failures in this matter;
- take steps to ensure that their processes of risk assessment and risk assessment planning are robust and transparent; and
- ensure that transfer procedures take due account of medication issues, to ensure that any required medication is prescribed/given without undue delay.