Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised a number of concerns about the care his late wife, Mrs C, received in hospital where she received surgery and subsequently died.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the full risks of surgery were never explained to Mrs C or Mr C (upheld);
- (b) the Hospital failed to explain why Mrs C's drips were removed on 24 August 2004 (upheld);
- (c) the Hospital failed to investigate adequately the cause of Mrs C's confusion and agitation displayed the week before her deterioration (not upheld); and
- (d) the Hospital did not let Mr C know at the first opportunity that his wife was going into final decline and, as a result, he was denied the chance to spend valuable time with her before her death (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board audit their practice in obtaining informed patient consent and implement any necessary change.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and have acted on them accordingly.