Overview
The complainant (Ms C) raised concerns about the treatment she had received when she attended the Accident and Emergency (A&E) unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in the area of Lothian NHS Board (the Board) following an injury to her leg.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the diagnosis provided by the Board was not reasonable (upheld); and
- (b) the care provided in Hospital 1 was inadequate (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) should give consideration to implementing the Ottawa knee decision rules when assessing A&E patients if these are not already in place;
- (ii) should apologise for the shortcomings in the care provided which are highlighted in this report; and
- (iii) devise/review their pain management guidelines and ensure that all A&E clinical staff are aware of the guidelines.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.