Tuesday 20 October: Complaint form offline

The supplier of our case management system has confirmed that they are experiencing a significant technical issue.

At present, we have no access to the case management system and we are currently unable to provide updates on existing cases.

We are planning on the basis that this could continue for a period of time including for the remainder of this week.

If you would like to check if your complaint is ready for the SPSO or enquire about making a new complaint, please complete our Complaint Checker.  

Please be assured we are doing all we can and will provide updates on our website. 

For an all service update: Service update | SPSO

Decision Report 201804379

  • Case ref:
    201804379
  • Date:
    November 2019
  • Body:
    Tayside NHS Board
  • Sector:
    Health
  • Outcome:
    Some upheld, no recommendations
  • Subject:
    appointments / admissions (delay / cancellation / waiting lists)

Summary

Ms C complained that Ninewells Hospital failed to provide her with reasonable care and treatment when she was admitted for investigations by the gastroenterology (branch of medicine which deals with disorders of the stomach and intestines) team.

We took independent advice from a consultant gastroenterologist. We found that the treatment Ms C received was reasonable and that it was appropriate for a senior gastroenterologist to review her situation before determining what other investigations should be carried out. We did not uphold this aspect of the complaint.

Ms C also complained about a failure to provide her with a reasonable response to her complaint and within a reasonable period of time. We found that communication with Ms C regarding a change to her care management plan was unreasonable; there was a failure to let her know what was happening as she received an appointment for a clinic review rather than a colonoscopy. This was a communication error in the internal referral process. Therefore, we upheld this aspect of the complaint. Wenoted that the board have already taken action to address this failing so madeno further recommendations.

Updated: November 20, 2019