Overview
The complainant, Mr C, raised a number of concerns about the care and treatment provided to his mother, Mrs A at Monklands Hospital (the Hospital) and the Beatson Oncology Centre (the Centre). The Hospital is managed by Lanarkshire NHS Board (Board 1). The Centre is managed by Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board (Board 2).
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) there was an unacceptable delay in the Hospital making a correct diagnosis (upheld);
- (b) the Hospital's decision to operate on Mrs A was incorrect (upheld);
- (c) Mrs A's prognosis was not adequately explained to the family by either the Hospital or the Centre (partially upheld); and
- (d) Mr C's complaints about the conditions in the Hospital ward were not dealt with appropriately (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that Board 1 apologise to Mr C for the delay in making the diagnosis and for making the incorrect decision to operate.
The Ombudsman recommends that both Boards apologise to Mr C for the fact that Mrs A's prognosis was not adequately explained to the family and review the way that a poor prognosis is explained to patients and their families.
The Ombudsman will send a copy of this report to SIGN for their consideration when Guideline 61 on post-menopausal bleeding is reviewed later this year.