Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) claimed that staff within Tayside NHS Board (the Board), in particular, a Diabetic Specialist Nurse (Nurse 1), failed to provide adequate advice and support in relation to her husband (Mr C)'s condition.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that there was a lack of information, and misleading information, about Type 1 diabetes provided to Mr and Mrs C at the time of, and following, Mr C's diagnosis (partially upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
(i) apologise in writing to Mr and Mrs C for the deficiencies in record-keeping and the lack of clarity of communication; and
(ii) consider introducing a protocol for post-discharge care of patients with diabetes to reduce the potential for confusion as illustrated by this complaint, in particular, in instances where more than one Board is involved in patient care.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.