Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of issues regarding her treatment and care following an ankle fracture.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are:
- (a) failure by the Consultant to align properly Mrs C’s broken ankle (upheld);
- (b) Mrs C’s concerns about the alignment had been dismissed by medical staff at the time (upheld); and
- (c) failure by medical staff to provide appropriate advice to Mrs C on managing her injury (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that:
- (i) the case be discussed at the Consultant's next annual appraisal;
- (ii) the Board provide evidence that their records have been submitted to scrutiny, via audit, and address the problems identified in this report in record-keeping; and
- (iii) the Board introduce a protocol on providing advice to patients on managing plaster cast injuries.