Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns about the care and treatment provided to her late husband (Mr C) by Ayrshire and Arran Health Board (the Board) in the months immediately prior to his death in June 2005 and in particular an alleged failure to properly diagnose and treat his cardiomyopathy in a timely manner which led to his dying before arrangements could be made for a heart transplant.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that the Board:
- (a) failed to provide Mr C with timely or adequate medical treatment (partially upheld); and
- (b) failed to provide Mr C with timely or adequate nursing treatment (partially upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) give consideration to more urgent treatment being prescribed through the hospital pharmacy to prevent the administrative delays associated with prescribing through general practice and;
- (ii) audit and review the existing procedures for monitoring possible cannula site infections and staff awareness of these procedures.
The Board have accepted these recommendations and will act on them accordingly.