Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised concerns that his late mother (Mrs A) had not received adequate fluids and nutrition during her admission at Vale of Leven Hospital. Mr C also complained that, following her diagnosis with oesophageal cancer, Mrs A did not receive palliative treatment for nearly three weeks until he raised his concerns with the consultant in charge of Mrs A's care.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- staff at Vale of Leven Hospital failed to ensure that Mrs A received an adequate level of fluids and nutrition despite her swallowing difficulties (upheld); and
- staff at Vale of Leven Hospital and Paisley Royal Alexandra Hospital failed to ensure that Mrs A received appropriate and timely clinical treatment in view of the symptoms which she presented with (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- review the processes for ensuring that fluid intake and balance is appropriately monitored and recorded on the Vale of Leven Hospital acute medical ward;
- issue a written apology to Mr C, clearly acknowledging the gravity of Mrs A's experience and the specific failings which led to the delay in her treatment; and
- take steps to ensure that the failings his investigation identified have been fully addressed in the revised pathway for onward speciality referral for upper gastrointestinal within Clyde, and explain what awareness raising has been undertaken in relation to this.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.