NHS Ayrshire and Arran has been told to apologise to the family of an epilepsy patient after their loved one was “not properly assessed” and had their medication changed for “no clear reason.”
The patient was rushed to University Hospital, Ayr after suffering an episode, but had become unresponsive.
However, according to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO), ‘failings’ were identified in the patient’s care.
The identity of the patient, known only as ‘A,’ has been withheld due to patient confidentiality.
The case against NHS Ayrshire & Arran was brought about via a family member of the patient, known only as ‘C’.
In their investigation the SPSO said: “C complained on behalf of their parent (A) about their care and treatment at University Hospital Ayr.
“A was admitted to hospital after an episode where they had become unresponsive.
“And C raised concerns that medical staff decided to change A’s epilepsy medication without getting specialist input.
“We took independent advice from a specialist in geriatric (medicine of the elderly) and general medicine.
“We found that A had not been properly assessed, that there was no clear reason for changing their epilepsy medication and that there was a lack of communication with their family about the change.
“We upheld C’s complaint.”
NHS Ayrshire and Arran was also adjudged to have failed to ‘appropriately respond’ to the initial complaint.
The SPSO said: “We considered that the board had not appropriately responded to C’s complaint, so we also made a complaints handling recommendation to address that.”
The SPSO added: “In an emergency setting, patients’ medications for specialist conditions should normally only be changed if their diagnosis is clear, the change is unequivocally beneficial and the reasons for the change are discussed with them and/or their families/carers.”
Joanne Edwards, Director of Acute Services at NHS Ayrshire and Arran, said: “I am so sorry that we did not meet the high standards of care we strive for in NHS Ayrshire & Arran for this patient and their family.
“In addition to our formal apology I can advise that we have fully accepted all the recommendations in the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) report.
“We have addressed the issues highlighted and made the appropriate improvements ensuring that the required standards are followed in relation to changes made to a patient’s medication for specialist conditions, these changes are discussed with the patient and/or their families/carers.
“Additionally, that complaints are handled and record-keeping is completed in line with the Model Complaints Handling Procedure to avoid potential delay and the impact this may have.”
She added: “In order to ensure learning across the organisation, we will share the findings from the report with staff and assurance will be provided to our Healthcare Governance Committee that the necessary actions have been completed.”
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