Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns about the treatment her late husband (Mr C) received whilst a patient at Hairmyres Hospital (the Hospital) in March 2010, after he was admitted on 10 March 2010 with shortness of breath. He developed pneumonia and MRSA, and Mrs C felt the Hospital were not caring for him adequately, in particular that staff did not properly recognise his needs (Mr C suffered from dementia). Mr C discharged himself against medical advice on 23 March 2010 and died at home on 2 April 2010.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that during Mr C's admission to hospital in March 2010, there were unreasonable failings in his medical and nursing care and treatment in relation to pneumonia and medication (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Lanarkshire NHS Board (the Board):
- (i) provide evidence on the implementation of Scotland's National Dementia Strategy and the Dementia Resource folder, including relevant action plans, in order to ensure: ongoing education and training for staff in the Hospital; and good communication with dementia patients and their families, involving family members in care when appropriate; and
- (ii) carry out a ward audit to ensure compliance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council's Standards for medicine management and record-keeping.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.