Decision Report 201305895

Summary

Mrs C complained about the medical care her late mother (Mrs A) received at University Hospital Ayr. Mrs A had suffered from diabetes for over 40 years. She was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (a condition where consistently high blood sugar levels can result in severe insulin deficiency). Mrs C said that Mrs A did not receive appropriate medical treatment, was discharged home on too high a dosage of insulin, and that her blood sugar was not monitored at home. Mrs A's condition deteriorated at home and she was re-admitted to the hospital five days later having collapsed. She went into a coma and died around four weeks later.

We did not identify any failings in the medical treatment of Mrs A. There was evidence to show that she was given appropriate treatment in the form of intravenous fluids and insulin. We noted that Mrs A had a history of poor diabetic control. However, the insulin dosages were appropriate and, after she returned home, the specialist diabetic nurse had contacted Mrs A to monitor her condition and make changes in her prescription.