Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) was concerned about the way in which a ward closure in Lynebank Hospital (the Hospital) was handled. Her niece (Ms A) was resident on the ward.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
(a) the closure of a ward in which Ms A was resident was poorly handled (upheld); and
(b) the response to Mrs C's complaint about this matter was inadequate (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that Fife NHS Board:
(i) apologise to Ms A and Mrs C's husband for the limited time available to prepare for and consult about the move between wards;
(ii) draw on the experience of this ward transfer to review the way in which such moves are planned in future; and
(iii) review the way in which such decisions are documented.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.