Overview
The complainant (Ms C) complained on the behalf of the aggrieved (Mr and Mrs A) about the care and treatment received by Mrs A from Western Isles NHS Board (the Board) in December 2010. Mrs A was taken to Uist and Barra Hospital (the Hospital) with abdominal pains. Two days later Mr A was advised Mrs A was suffering from acute renal failure, was dying and no further treatment could be provided for her. However, Mrs A was subsequently able to be airlifted to the mainland for treatment. She went on to make a full recovery.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that the Board did not provide reasonable care and treatment to Mrs A between 5 and 9 December 2010 (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) provide an updated version of the action plan to evidence that all of the identified actions have been implemented;
- (ii) provide further details about planned training for medical staff at the Hospital, which should include refresher training on the causes of opiate toxicity and enhanced training in relation to venous access;
- (iii) conduct a random case note review at the Hospital; and
- (iv) provide a full apology to Mr and Mrs A for the failings identified in this report.