Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) felt that the death of her husband (Mr C) could have been avoided had staff of Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board (the Board) been more proactive in diagnosing his condition. She complained that Mr C's assigned consultant (Consultant 1) should have been more directly involved in his care.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) Mr C was not seen by Consultant 1, the consultant that he was referred to at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (not upheld);
- (b) the diagnostic process was unnecessarily delayed (upheld); and
- (c) ward staff did not deal with Mr C respectfully (no finding).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) consider asking the clinical team to review the circumstances of this case to see if there are any lessons to be learned regarding communication with patients and relatives;
- (ii) apologise to Mrs C and her family for the additional distress and suffering caused by the delays to Mr C's diagnosis; and
- (iii) revise their procedures to include written notice to the referring consultant of all failed scan results.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.